ONCE again Colchester’s Chinese Cultural Society has pulled off quite a coup with its line-up for this year’s Chinese New Year Gala celebrations taking place at the Mercury Theatre this weekend.

For a start there cannot be many cultural societies that can put on one of the world’s most famous puppeteers at their local show.

That’s Xu Hong, director of the China Puppetry and Shadow Arts Association and one of very few performers in the world who have been presented with a Cultural Heritage Award from Unesco.

She has won numurous other awards over the years including four prestigious Golden Lions at China’s National Shadow Puppet Competition and has performed at shows including those attended by such world leaders as Kim Jong Il and Hilary Clinton.

Joining her will be renowned tenor Zhou Jinxing who has also performed all over the world and was previously Secretary of Jiangsu Opera and Dance/Drama Theatre in the province.

And another stunning Chinese singer, Fang Lili, who at home is as well known for her acting as she is her incredible Bel Canto and modern folk singing style.

Lili has performed in a wide range of theatre productions including The Splendid Library, which was performed at Edinburgh International Festival in 2014.

Simone Xue, current chair and one of the founders of the society, says: “We are consistently trying to raise our high standards year after year and we are so delighted to have these very prestigious performers come to perform for us in Colchester.”

The Colchester Chinese Cultural Society was formed in 2004.

She says: “The idea of the society was to help promote Chinese culture and to help Chinese people integrate into the mainstream society, as well as enrich people’s lives.

“Because many of our members were from the university, our first show took place in one of their common rooms. Back then it was just our members sharing a meal and afterwards playing games and doing a bit of a talent show.”

As the years went by the performance list got longer as more and more members wanted to show off their talents, and perhaps more importantly their children’s talents.

“Each year we have invited more people to take part,” Simone says, “and now it has become a huge show with a mixture of members and professional acts.”

• Chinese New Year Gala Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester.

Sunday, January 31. 2.30pm.

Sold out but for returns call the box office on 01206 573948.