Walk the Plank was commissioned by Essex County Council to create a site-specific show for Weald Country Park in September 2008, following a six month feasibility study to scope out the project and identify partners.

A trailblazer event in February marked the Chinese New Year with a lantern procession, setting the scene for the Essex Jiangsu Festival which marks the historic links between the county and the Jiangsu Province.

East Meets West features a Moon Picnic for families with entertainment and activities in the Park. As the sun sets the Moon Parade (of several hundred lanterns) heralds a promenade performance for an audience of 3,500 inspired by Chinese mythology, telling the story of Houyi the Archer and Chang-E the woman on the moon.

Costumed performers and dancers lead us through avenues of fire until we arrive at the Palace by the Lake. Here, Houyi entertains his wife with acrobatic displays and music, including the Little Red Flowers from Jiangsu. But then the Moon rises, Chang E drinks the hidden potion, the Elixir of Life, and things will never be the same again.

• Video: Build and Burn

An extensive programme of community engagement is part of the project, and 23 schools from all over Essex have been involved thanks to the support of Creative Partnerships Thames Gateway. Event management is provided by Chelmsford Borough Council’s Special Events team.

East Meets West has been awarded the Inspire mark by LOCOG, and is supported by Essex County Council, Brentwood District Council. Arts Council England, the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, and the Jack Petchey Foundation.