A DANCER and performer from Malmesbury has one act that really makes waves, writes Sophie Deal.

Hannah Rowland, 25, embodies many a childhood dream when she takes to the water’s edge and performs, as a mermaid.

Though she lives hours from the ocean, being land-lubbed in Malmesbury doesn’t stop Hannah making a success of her unique profession.

With a realistic, handcrafted tail imported from America, she’s becoming increasingly popular in festival circles.

In fact, this July she will return to the popular British festival, Secret Garden Party, to help run a ‘Mermaid School’ for the second year running.

“It’s amazing where something like this can take you,” said Hannah.

“People are really attracted to the idea of a real-life mermaid. It sparks a bit of childhood magic and they really get behind the fantasy.”

Hannah has also performed at Bestival and a New Years’ Eve party in the Maldives, where she found herself surrounded by contortionists, fire performers and high-profile celebrities.

She first started dipping into mermaid life two years ago.

Always fascinated by the underwater world, her interest was piqued when she discovered The Mertailor – a Florida-based, self-professed merman who creates custom-made tails.

“I took one look at the tails he was making and fell in love with them,” said Hannah.

“Having worked as a performer for six years, I knew it could make a wonderful act at festivals.”

Ready to take the plunge, she trained at Malmesbury Leisure Centre, using a monofin to help perfect her swimming technique. She also had to practice holding her breath for long periods of time.

"I’d swim back and forth underwater, trying to beat my record. I got a few weird looks, but I think on the whole people like to see something a bit different. It’s exciting.”

To find out more about the Mermaid of Malmesbury’s aquatic antics, visit her website.

You’ll find photos and videos of her in action, as well as information about how to book her as a performer for events, photo-shoots and parties: mermaidgirl.co