It’s that time of year again - when lesbians up and down the country get ready for their annual pilgrimage to the York Lesbian Arts Festival.

Running from October 27th-28th, the YLAF offers the cream of women writers at the book festival, from 9.30am-5.30pm on Saturday 27th, with 10 panels to choose from, including: Publishing, A Writer's Life, Favourite Characters, Romance, Interviews and Erotica. There will also be hot debate on a special panel asking questions about lesbian identity and whether we still need lesbian art.

And that evening, Club Diva transforms York Racecourse into the biggest lesbian dance party in the country, with two floors of fabulous music along with a chll-out space. Sunday sees an outdoor concert in York city centre, with musicians including Claire Mooney and Yorkshire’s very own Deep C Divas.

And if you’re in York for the evening of Friday 26th, Pretty Pink Pearl have organised a 'warm-up’ event: an evening with Jess Gardham, Out of the Grey and Izzy Isgate at the Fibbers music venue.

It’s hard to describe the buzz at York Racecourse,’ says YLAF organiser Crin Claxton, 'when hundreds of lesbians take over the place. Maybe it’s the excitement of seeing authors and artists in the flesh. Maybe it’s the chance to get involved with current debate on art, literature, lesbian issues and lives. Maybe it’s just all the pheromones with so many lesbians in the same place at the same time.’ Along with the book panels, clubbing and music, there will be a marketplace of stalls on a dedicated floor next to the cafeteria. Libertas will be running a book stall where you can buy books and get them signed by your favourite authors. There will be a range of other stalls selling arts, clothing and gifts. Facilities at the racecourse include an infra-red hearing system, BSL-interpreted sessions, good disabled access and free parking.

For full details, visit the website.