[Closed] Starting cross racing - advice needed!

I've recently moved to York, which for all its plus points is as flat as a pancake, meaning out of the door mtbing is limited (a shame after growing up in Shropshire and being at uni in Leeds). But I've been working on my fitness this year and have a cross bike (canti braked Tricross) and fancy doing some races to get some muddy rides in.

Is there a Yorkshire league/series of races throughout the autumn/winter? Happy to drive up to an hour from York.

I'm envisioning just rocking up to the first few races to get a feel for them, not expecting to be competitive in any way. Do I need a BC licence to race? How are the age categories structured (born in '95)?

Thanks!