The 2007 York Lesbian Arts Festival is just around the corner and this year promises to be even bigger than before, with three fantastic fun filled events taking place from 27-28 October.

With authors and academics, dancing and debating, DJs and Divas, Pride and Prejudice, films and fashion - this is the UK’s largest festival of its kind and not to be missed!

Book Festival
On Saturday 27 the Book Festival will run from 9:30am- 5:30pm at York Racecourse and will be packed with talented and inspiring authors and artists from the UK and USA.

Authors 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 and more!

Also, don’t miss film-maker Inge Blackman, performer Julie McNamara, playwright Shelley Silas and fashion academic Reina Lewis, who will also be making an appearance.

YLAF Debate
During the day the YLAF Debate will look at lesbian identity and consider whether we need lesbian anything anymore, including lesbian art.

The panel will start with a screening of Inge Blackman’s short film Fem, and another installment of Reina Lewis’ entertaining look at lesbian fashion, Out of the Closet and into the Wardrobe.

Open Mic Slot
Julie McNamara will be compering the Open Mic Slot, where artists can step up and read or perform their work.

Fun and Funky Fresh Short Performances
And don’t miss the Fun and Funky Fresh short performance events, including Fiona Cooper’s funny and moving Fantastic Voyage, Julie McNamara’s I’m Your Man with comic monologues and a bit of Leonard Cohen, plus the True Pride and Prejudice (the real natures of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy), a ridiculous regency romp by the YLAF Playas!

Marketplace
In the marketplace there will be a fabulous selection of stalls and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. Then, as dusk settles over the racecourse, the party continues with Club DIVA.

Join DJs Sadie Lee (Lower the Tone), Claud Cunningham (Black Angel), DJ Ad Astra (Vanilla) and DJ Emma (Fuel, Climax) for a huge lesbian dance party, playing from 8:30pm-2am and taking place over two floors!

Street Concert
On Sunday, from 12noon-1.30pm, York City Centre will rock to the sound of lesbian performers at the outdoor Street Concert!

Singer-songwriter Clare Mooney will MC and play her critically acclaimed repertoire of political, passionate and punchy tunes. The event is entirely free and visitors will also be able to enjoy the sounds of the 8-strong acoustic singing group Deep C Diva’s, soulful duo Secret’s Out, drummers Sister Slap and witty, and occasionally moving, performance poetry from Helen Sandler.

Party people and fun lovers are strongly advised to book early to avoid disappointment!

For information visit www.ylaf.org.uk. Book online at www.libertas.co.uk or by phone via Libertas on 0207485 8317.