THE Chinese Year of the Rooster was brought to life in technicolour with a spectacular international music show.

The world-famous Liansheng Chinese Music Ensemble from Japan captivated a 250-strong audience at the Princes Theatre with the sounds of Chinese and Japanese folk music.

It was hosted by the Colchester Chinese Culture Society to celebrate the biggest festival in the Chinese calendar - but also to help raise money for the group.

Audiences were entertained by father and son duo Zhang Liansheng and Zhang He, and visually-impaired musician Yang Xue Yuan who played traditional flutes, keyboard and sang.

But being a true multicultural event, African artist Mim Suleiman also graced the stage as well as Tendring Council chairman Jayne Chapman.

Simone Xue, chairman of the society, said guests left having experienced the flavour of Chinese New Year.

"It was a wonderful evening but so hard to describe," she said.

"We were very grateful for their charitable performance and passion to share their love of traditional Chinese instruments, and culture that goes with it.

"The Japanese Liansheng Erhu Music Ensemble is made up of musicians from age 20 to 81 from the wonderful Osaka, led by a Chinese teacher, and serves as a fine example that music promotes our shared global heritage with no distinction of race or national boundaries.

"The Japanese were playing Chinese instruments in Clacton and it was fantastic."

Ms Xue also thanked volunteers from Essex University as well society members who supported on the night.

Next on the calendar is a concert featuring a Chinese Silk and Bamboo Ensemble this June at Colchester's Mercury Theatre.