diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 30c54b57f..1743bd3d2 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -144,9 +144,7 @@ Please have a look at the [contributions file][contributing].
 - Run `git tag -s <version>` to tag the version in Git
 - Run `make release`
 - Close the milestone mentioned in the _changelog_ and create a new one. _Do not reuse milestones by renaming them_.
-- set the upcoming version in the `VERSION` file, usually be
-  incrementing the patch level, and possibly by appending `-dev`. Probably you
-  want to `git push` once more.
+- Got to [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/gitpython-developers/GitPython/releases) and publish a new one with the recently pushed tag. Generate the changelog.
 
 ### How to verify a release (DEPRECATED)
 
diff --git a/VERSION b/VERSION
index f8d874e2b..e03213a2b 100644
--- a/VERSION
+++ b/VERSION
@@ -1 +1 @@
-3.1.33
+3.1.34
diff --git a/doc/source/changes.rst b/doc/source/changes.rst
index 45062ac13..38e673f3f 100644
--- a/doc/source/changes.rst
+++ b/doc/source/changes.rst
@@ -2,6 +2,12 @@
 Changelog
 =========
 
+3.1.34
+======
+
+See the following for all changes.
+https://github.com/gitpython-developers/gitpython/milestone/64?closed=1
+
 3.1.33
 ======
 
diff --git a/git/util.py b/git/util.py
index a3748f0fe..f6dedf0f2 100644
--- a/git/util.py
+++ b/git/util.py
@@ -935,7 +935,8 @@ def _obtain_lock_or_raise(self) -> None:
             )
 
         try:
-            open(lock_file, mode='w', closefd=True)
+            with open(lock_file, mode='w'):
+                pass
         except OSError as e:
             raise IOError(str(e)) from e