“Oh my God, she’s flying.” One enchanted girl whispered as she watched breath-taking aerial circus acts defy gravity in Greenwich.


A huge crowd had gathered to see the stunning Hangar Arts Trust show in the beautiful grounds of the Old Royal Naval College.


And everyone, young and old, completely fell under the spell of these bewitching entertainers – I could tell because most people’s jaws were on the ground.


It was just moments before the world became fixated on Danny Boyle’s opening ceremony when these daredevils took to the sky on ropes and ribbons as part of Greenwich Summer Festival.


The magic got underway slightly later than planned as slippery rain threatening to scupper everything, but as the heavens dried up a cheer rose and Matilda, our first performer, stepped up.


Dressed as a stunning flower fairy, this dainty blonde was just amazing to watch.


Dancing in the air, sometimes upside-down, she supporting herself on a bar between two ropes.


I’m Not Calling You a Liar by Florence and the Machine washed over us – the perfect, hauntingly pretty song went hand in hand with the deceptively strong nymph as she threw petals down onto us.


The whole thing was mesmerizing – flashing from smiles to seriously seductive glances at the audience she became a fairy straight from James Herbert’s novel Once.


A sudden change of pace and the ever growing crowd was treated to Jen – a solo rope act dressed a lot like Beetlejuice.


Apparently this tiny clown is quickly moving her way up in the professional world of circus performing, which is no surprise considering her fantastic piece.


I can’t imagine even being able to climb a rope, let alone learn how to wrap it around my body to enable impossible leaps, twists and sudden drops – all with a whimsical expression on my face rather than concentration and terror.


A romantic Midsummer Night’s Dream-themed duet ensued on the silk ribbons, followed by perhaps the most incredible act of the night.


Martina was hoisted up through the air sitting in a hoop and once high in the sky she played out her beloved act which has been a long, and dedicated, time in the making.


Wow – the deep gasps of incredulity from the audience said it all.


This remarkably talented, and stretchy, circus performer put herself in the most unbelievable positions – and all suspended sky high.


She made every insane move seem easy, and so much fun.


Greenwich-based Hangar Arts Trust offer lessons for beginners and practice space for professionals.


And although every move we saw seemed ridiculously tricky, I would love to give it go.


Jess Green the contortionist had us utterly freaked out with her unfathomable flexibility.


This inconceivably bendy entertainer was running around, bent over backwards on her hands and feet and flashing the crowd the broadest of grins when her head seemed to be on back-to-front.


The positions kept getting madder – it was as if this gifted girl was born boneless.


Hangar Arts’ Olympic masterpiece brought the show to a death-defying climax with five performers climbing, twisting and turning on red, black, blue, yellow and green ribbons.


R Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly played as we all watched in amazement.


And it’s true – these inspirational aerialists really can fly.


The Greenwich Summer Festival is free to enter and visitors are able to catch all the Olympic action on the Big Screen.


It runs until August 4.


For the full programme visit greenwichsummerfestival.co.uk


Visit hangarartstrust.org for more on aerial circus training.