A Penarth jewellery designer is swopping solder for sequins this August bank holiday as she co-produces the biggest burlesque festival ever seen in Wales.

Ceri Lambert - known on stage as Oola Pearl - started performing with Cardiff Cabaret Club seven years ago. Last year, alongside training to be a jewellery designer, she took the plunge to become a professional cabaret burlesque performer, and now travels extensively performing in shows across the UK and Europe.

But when the chance arose to help her original burlesque teacher, FooFoo Labelle, organise a four day festival she jumped at the chance.

"FooFoo and I have been planning the festival for nearly 18 months, so there has been a lot of blood, sweat and rhinestones to get to this point. It started as a "what if…" conversation over dinner and has taken on a life of its own."Said Oola.

The team behind the festival had over 250 applications from across the world for the open castings and have curated casts showcasing diverse performers and styles, from comedy to classic, with some of the top names in UK burlesque also in attendance.

The entire festival will be taking place at CHAPTER arts centre over the bank holiday weekend from Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 August 2024, and is a four day event featuring four shows, eight workshops as well as meet ups and stalls.

Oola explains "Burlesque as an artform feels like it is going from strength to strength over the last few years. There are loads of professional shows to watch, but also community groups who are learning about burlesque together and enjoying learning the history, dancing and costuming".

"Cardiff Cabaret Club and the wider burlesque scene have given me so much confidence, as well as a life as a performer I could never have imagined. I'm just so happy to be able to give something back and help introduce new audiences to this glamorous, silly and sparkly traditional artform".

And if you've never been to see a burlesque show before Oola explains:

"New audience members always comment how empowering and moving it is to see performers of all shapes, sizes, ages and backgrounds who are owning the stage and are celebrated as themselves. And, of course, the costumes are incredible, there's a lot of comedy and satire, and they're just fantastically fun nights out!"

The Wales Burlesque Festival and its workshops are on sale now - this event is suitable for those over the age of 18 and is perfect for those wanting to try something different or friend groups looking for a great night out.

To see the cast list and workshops on offer visit walesburlesquefestival.co.uk