>The York Lesbian Arts Festival, comprising three events, will be taking place on 27-28th October .

The Book Festival will run from 9:30am to 5:30pm at York Racecourse and will feature authors and artists from the UK and USA. Guests include: Val McDermid, Stella Duffy, Rhona Cameron, Manda Scott, Sarah Waters, Jackie Kay, Helen Sandler, Crin Claxton, Jane Fletcher, Charlotte Mendelson, Jennifer Fulton, Marianne K Martin, Ellen Dean, Tricia Walker, Fiona Cooper, VG Lee, Jenny Roberts, Inge Blackman, Julie McNamara and Shelley Silas. Julie McNamara will be compering the Open mic slot, where artists can step up and read/perform their work. There will also be a series of short performance events.

As dusk settles over the racecourse the party continues with Club DIVA. Its the UK’s biggest lesbian dance party with two floors of great music. 8:30-2am. With DJs Sadie Lee (Lower the Tone), Claude Cunningham (Black Angel) and DJ Ad Astra (Vanilla).

On Sunday lunchtime York City Centre rocks to the sound of lesbian performers at the outdoor Street Concert, 12 noon-1:30pm. Claire Mooney, Deep C Diva’s, Secret’s Out and Helen Sandler already confirmed. This event is entirely FREE.

Book Festival £22, Club DIVA £14.
Prices on the door: Book Festival £25. Club Diva £15.

Disabled access is good, women are being asked to fill in an access questionnaire to ensure YLAF can meet their needs. The Book Festival is open to all women and men as guests of women. Club DIVA is women-only. Trans and intersex people are welcome. The Street Concert is open to all, including children.