THIRTY events are being planned in York during February as part of LGBT History Month - from variety nights to discussion panels, talks and walks.

The number of groups, organisations and individuals involved in the month which tells of the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history has doubled to 20, said lead coordinator Andy Law.

“We are delighted to announce a diverse and exciting programme of events for 2015, offering a wide variety of ways for the public to engage with LGBT narratives," he said.

The month will be launched with a free event starting at 6.30pm on Friday, February 6 at Temple Hall, York St John University, featuring live music from local bands, an exhibition by a local artist, speeches, a quiz and short films including Screen Yorkshire’s award-winning Private Life.

A spoken-word and poetry night, featuring a range of acclaimed talent from Yorkshire and beyond, will be the official closing night on Thursday, February 26 at City Screen cinema's basement in Coney Street, for which tickets are £5 on the door.

Another event is Bringing History out of the Closet, a special roadshow in Kirk’s Room at York's Castle Museum on February 7.

Details of all events can be found at www.yorklgbthistory.org.uk.

Andy said: "It’s great to have seen the number of groups, organisations and individuals involved double, showing a real drive in support of our aim to increase public awareness of the place of LGBT people in history.

"Through bringing to light stories that might traditionally have been ignored, we seek to develop inclusivity, challenge stereotypes and promote understanding. Our school outreach initiative will serve to further reinforce the principle of inclusion at a key developmental stage.”

He said LGBT History Month was celebrated worldwide, and 2015 would mark the tenth anniversary of the national LGBT History Month campaign.

"York LGBT History Month, supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the University of York, York Pride and York St John University. may well be the only local LGBT History Month organisation in the UK," he said.

"Last year saw the first ever collaborative LGBT History Month campaign in York, spearheaded by York St John University. This was a great success, and resulted in the establishment of an independent organisation called ‘York LGBT History Month’ to coordinate efforts in future years."