MEET the real-life ‘mermaid’ making a splash in East Lancashire.
Rosemarie Palmer, from Accrington, has taken the plunge and set up her own business as a mermaid entertainer.
The 23-year-old mother-of-one decided to become a ‘full-time mermaid’ after jobs as a nail technician and barber.
Operating under the name, Mermaid Sirena, Miss Palmer said: “I’ve had a massive interest in mermaid-ing for years and would binge-watch mermaid movies and television progra, such as H2O Just Add Water, Aquamarine and The Little Mermaid.
“I’ve always loved performing, and even though I enjoyed my other jobs, I didn’t really have much passion for them.
“After watching videos of other mermaid entertainers on YouTube, in May this year I came up with the idea of setting up my own business and bought my own tail made of silicone, which cost over a thousand pounds.”
Since diving into the marine world, Miss Palmer has performed at Todmorden Pride, entertained at children’s birthday parties, and has been spotted at Blackpool beach, splashing around in the sea.
“I love how all the children’s faces light up when they see me. They get so excited and it’s such a magical experience for them.”
Miss Palmer offers a range of entertainment services for children, including swimming parties, mermaid make-overs and mermaid educational talks, where she speaks about the dangers of polluting the oceans and the harm it causes marine wildlife. Charging around £175 for an hour, children can enjoy everything from playing games to making crafts.
However, it’s not easy being a mermaid, as she explains it takes 20 minutes to get her tail on, and her legs are bound so tightly together that moving around is very difficult, and going to the toilet is near impossible.
“I use a wheelchair to get around and have assistants to help me dress, but I can’t go to the toilet at all while I’m entertaining.”
Despite loving her new career choice, she admits not everyone understands her desire to perform as a mermaid.
“My son, Theo, loves it and tells all his friends his mum is a mermaid, but my partner, Jake, thinks I’m completely wacky. I love being a full-time mermaid though and have so much passion for my career.”
To book Mermaid Sirena email mermaidysirena@gmail.com
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