Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances

26 October 2024 - 09 March 2025

Step into the magical and mystical world of Leonora Carrington, the British-Mexican painter and novelist, in her debut exhibition in the East of England.

Oil Painting for Beginners with Jevan Watkins Jones

07 March 2025

Multiple times available

Explore oil painting techniques with the inspiring work of contemporary and historic artists in these fun and experimental sessions!

Jane Ostler: Finding the Hand of Kindness

12 October 2024 - 02 March 2025

“Finding The Hand of Kindness” is inspired by Jane’s own life, reflecting on her roles as a caregiver, the impact of patriarchal expectations, and the everyday moments of kindness. Through her art, Jane invites us to see how creativity can be a source of comfort and connection.

Halla Groves-Raines: Life in Patterns

16 November 2024 - 20 April 2025

Discover fresh perspectives from modern Essex and Suffolk through the faces and stories of its residents in an intimate portrait exhibition by Essex-based artist Halla Groves-Raines.

Nature drawing workshop with Lisa Temple-Cox

23 February - 23 March 2025

Multiple times available

Explore observational drawing and discover your favourite medium with this nature drawing workshop.

Billy Elliot The Musical Live (20th Anniversary)

30 March - 02 April 2025

Multiple times available

Billy Elliot The Musical shows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance.

Oyster Land + Q&A

22 February 2025

7:00 pm

A special screening of Oyster Land, and a Q&A with filmmaker Matthew, Mersea Island Oysterman Dale and soundtrack composer Rev. Simpkins.

Holiday Fun: February 2025 – Canteen

19 - 22 February 2025

Multiple times available

Enjoy freshly made hot meals for all the family at Firstsite’s Holiday Fun Canteen in Colchester town centre.

Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart

15 March 2025 - 07 February 2026

Multiple times available

A one-of-a-kind life drawing class, where your tutor and model will offer multiple poses in fantastical settings.

National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

20 February 2025

7:00 pm

Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy – The Importance of Being Earnest.

The Art Café

04 February - 25 April 2025

Multiple times available

The Art Café is our new unguided painting session! Come alone, with friends or that special someone for a fun and relaxing art activity.

A Night With Janis Joplin The Musical

13 - 16 March 2025

Multiple times available

A Night with Janis Joplin, The Musical is a multi award-winning extraordinary musical journey paying homage to Janis Joplin.

André Rieu’s 75th Birthday Celebration: The Dream Continues

12 - 13 April 2025

Multiple times available

André Rieu celebrates his 75th Birthday! The King of the Waltz invites you to a boat party with him and his beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra.

Exhibition on Screen: Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874

25 - 29 March 2025

Multiple times available

Impressionists are the most famous in art history but they were once penniless outsiders, until the Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874.

Inspirational Women Talk and Portrait Workshop

08 March 2025

10:00 am

Spend your International Women’s Day with illustrator Lily Hammond in a fun, empowering workshop celebrating iconic leaders and trailblazers.

Boozy Brushes – Paint in Pairs

25 April 2025

7:30 pm

Join Sirena Hart at Firstsite for Boozy Brushes a multi-art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza where you can paint in pairs!

Words from Art Poetry Workshop

08 May 2025

7:00 pm

Our Words from Art Poetry Workshop is practical session which will explore a variety of techniques to writing poems inspired by works of art.

Bonnie & Clyde The Musical

01 - 04 May 2025

Multiple times available

Bonnie & Clyde The Musical is the story of two small-town kids from the middle of nowhere who became the biggest folk heroes in all America.