The 10-day Homotopia festival will be launched with a 50ft pink light display at the city's Wellington Column and is aimed at promoting artist talent from the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender communities.
Artists from across the UK will take part in the unique programme which covers film, theatre, photography, art, comedy, storytelling and heritage.
They will be joined by homegrown performance artists and comedians, including Chloe Poems, Terry Titter and Lady Shaun.
Co-ordinator Gary Everett said: "Homotopia is going to be a fantastic ten days which will really show off the artistic talents of this city's gay and lesbian community.
"Homotopia is a great example of this city embracing different aspects of community, especially in the run-up to European Capital of Culture 2008."
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