News Byte : The Leeds Erotica Festival

If you are a reader in the UK then heads up! The city of Leeds is gearing up for what is being touted by it’s organizers as “the UK’s newest, most glamorous and most exciting arts event when it hosts its first ever Erotica Festival“. Sounds like a plan and a half, doesn’t it.

And if you are not a reader from the UK… well, sorry, it’s a UK convention and there’s nothing I can do about it except invite other Erotica Festival organizers to send us info on their erotic festivities that they have planned in the upcoming days and weeks!

Now as for this particular festival? Well if you got nothing overtly special planned for Halloween this year, and again you are a reader from the UK who can drop in on Leeds on Late October 2008, then spanning four days over the Halloween weekend this festival will be hosting at various venues across the city (four days, an Erotica festival, all you need is a significant other to take and your so set).

According to the press release on the event, the Leeds Erotica Festival will include a diverse range of cultural, charitable and educational events dealing with erotica in a serious, tasteful and intelligent manner, but with a strong element of fun and celebration… oh-kay. Well, don’t worry if you’re wondering what tha means, they invited me to interview them and I’m going to be sure to bring that whole thing up in the interview. Promise.

As for the people slapping this shingdig together on Halloween? Organizer Amy Minns says “The Leeds Erotica Festival will be a celebration of sexuality, sex and the beauty of the human body. We plan to use the arts to break down the stigmas associated (with) sex and erotica.”

According to the official news release on the event, festival events will include “thought-provoking art exhibitions, film, book readings, a “programme” of fascinating and eye-opening workshops from experts in nude photography, writing erotic literature and much more.”

“The highlight of the Leeds Erotica Festival will be a stunning Masquerade Ball on Halloween night, and Saturday night will see the biggest and most glamorous Burlesque and Cabaret night the North has ever seen.” And yes, I‘ll remember to ask about that as well.

“Leeds will see such an eclectic mix of events that it will appeal to everyone with an interest in culture and the arts. We hope the Leeds Erotica Festival will grow each year and become one of the UK’s most popular events, right here in Leeds” concluded Amy..

Oh, and if you think there’s no room at the inn for you to join up then you’d be wrong. The festival just so happens to be currently looking for artists and writers who would like to submit their work to be included in the festival art exhibition, popular art competition and short story writing competition. For more information please contact amy@leedserotica.org.uk

Oh, and 4-1-1, a full itinerary will become available shortly over at www.leedserotica.org.uk, so if you feel like registering for updates and to find out more, make sure to contact them at amy@leedserotica.org.uk! (You can also call them at 07828 969078... But you’d be safer off emailing I’d think.)

NOTE - If you are interested in sponsorship, entering either the art or short story competitions, hiring a stall at the market or generally being involved then please contact Amy Minnus at amy@leedserotica.org.uk. Thank you.