Lets Hear It For The Girls

This year’s York Lesbian Arts Festival took place on 23rd – 26th October with an estimated 3,000 women attending. Strolling around the stalls and café or enjoying the wealth of writers workshops at the fabulous York racecourse, one could be forgiven for thinking lesbianism is the predominant sexuality in the UK. We were everywhere!

There was certainly plenty to see and do. Real variety in the workshops offered included why we need books in this technological age, lesbian romance and love, fascination with violent crime in literature, and an open mic slot with an opportunity for festival goers to share their own work.

The event also boasted a night of lesbian comedy and music at the Royal Opera House, and Club Diva – billed as the UK’s biggest lesbian dance party with queerlesque performance, a retro lounge, a club floor and a chill out zone.

What was noticeable was the number of, albeit seemingly, middle class women. Despite YLAF being a festival which will welcome all audiences, the price of tickets; be it a weekend pass at £75, an event ticket from anything between £15 - £22 and entrance to the book fair £18 on the Friday and £22 on the Saturday meant some women may have found it difficult to attend – particularly when you consider the added extras of travel, accommodation, food and childcare expenses. That said however, YLAF is a not for profit venture – currently in the process of applying for charitable status, and the cost of putting on such a weekend event with 65 artists cannot be underestimated – particularly when funding comes from just three main sponsors: Arts Council England, Diva magazine & Libertas.

The festival really has gone from strength to strength since it’s beginnings in 2000 and I came away from the weekend feeling very energised and empowered. There’s something very inspiring about an event which brings together some many lesbians in a small town – it makes you realise there is so much talent and support out there within the lesbian community.

Annie Emery