What’s On
Choose a date range:
Reset date range
Exhibitions
Free
Tim Noble & Sue Webster: Love and Hate at Firstsite
Thursday 09 November 2023 - Saturday 01 February 2025
In this presentation, seven light sculptures by Noble & Webster illuminate areas of the Firstsite building with pops of glimmering colour.
Find out moreExhibitions
Free
Nicola Burrell: Concrete Dreams
Saturday 20 April 2024 - Sunday 20 April 2025
Discover Colchester-based artist Nicola Burrell’s vibrant three-dimensional artworks and sculptures inspired by New Towns in Essex.
Find out moreExhibitions
Free
Jane Ostler: Finding the Hand of Kindness
Saturday 12 October 2024 - Sunday 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.
Find out moreExhibitions
Free
Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances
Saturday 26 October 2024 - Sunday 23 February 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.
Find out moreExhibitions
Free
Halla Groves-Raines: Life in Patterns
Saturday 16 November 2024 - Sunday 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.
Find out moreCinema
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (Captioned)
Saturday 21 December 2024
2:15 pm
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story tells the rise of an unknown actor to a iconic movie star who set one of the greatest benchmarks.
Find out moreCinema
Piece By Piece
Saturday 21 December 2024
5:00 pm
Piece By Piece is an unparalleled experience that captures the magic of Pharrell Williams’ creative genius, one LEGO® brick at a time.
Find out moreCinema
Die Hard
Saturday 21 December 2024
7:30 pm
On Christmas Eve, tough New York detective John McClane arrives in Los Angeles with the aim of reconciling with his estranged wife, Holly in Die Hard.
Find out moreCinema
It’s A Wonderful Life
Sunday 22 December 2024
11:00 am
It’s a Wonderful Life shows how George Bailey finds his previously happy life falling apart around him on Christmas Eve.
Find out moreCinema
The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
Sunday 22 December 2024
2:00 pm
More times available
Discover the enchantment of ballet with The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker, a sparkling festive treat for the whole family.
Find out moreCinema
Piece By Piece (Captioned)
Tuesday 24 December 2024
11:00 am
Piece By Piece is an unparalleled experience that captures the magic of Pharrell Williams’ creative genius, one LEGO® brick at a time.
Find out moreCinema
Wicked (Captioned)
Tuesday 24 December 2024
2:00 pm
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin.
Find out moreChildren & Families
Free
Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Make
Friday 27 December 2024
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
More times available
Get making during our Holiday Fun: Make session with a variety of free creative activities at Firstsite this December.
Find out moreChildren & Families
Free
Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Gardening
Friday 27 December 2024
10:45 am
Join us for these hands-on sessions where you will learn how to care for plants through nature inspired arts, crafts and planting.
Find out moreCinema
Moana 2 (Parent and Baby)
Friday 27 December 2024
11:30 am
After receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors in Moana 2, our leading lady must journey to the far dangerous seas of Oceania.
Find out moreChildren & Families
Free
Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Canteen
Friday 27 December 2024
11:45 am
More times available
Enjoy freshly made hot meals for all the family at Firstsite’s Holiday Fun Canteen in Colchester town centre.
Find out moreChildren & Families
Free
Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Football
Friday 27 December 2024
12:00 pm
Run, jump and kick this autumn with Holiday Fun: Football! Meet your local heroes from Colchester Villa and teams in Colchester!
Find out moreCinema
Wicked
Friday 27 December 2024
6:00 pm
More times available
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin.
Find out moreChildren & Families
Free
Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Drumming
Saturday 28 December 2024
10:45 am
Children can participate in this fun and relaxed session this winter holiday with Drumming at Firstsite Holiday Fun in Colchester!
Find out moreCinema
Moana 2 (Relaxed)
Saturday 28 December 2024
11:00 am
More times available
After receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors in Moana 2, our leading lady must journey to the far dangerous seas of Oceania.
Find out moreChildren & Families
Free
Holiday Fun: December 2024 -Afro-moves
Saturday 28 December 2024
12:00 pm
More times available
Dance your way into the winter holiday with fun and energetic Afro-Moves at Firstsite Holiday Fun in Colchester!
Find out moreCinema
Paddington In Peru
Saturday 28 December 2024
5:00 pm
More times available
Paddington In Peru takes Paddington home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears.
Find out moreCinema
Gladiator II
Saturday 28 December 2024
7:30 pm
More times available
After witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum in Gladiator II.
Find out moreCinema
Moana 2
Sunday 29 December 2024
11:00 am
More times available
After receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors in Moana 2, our leading lady must journey to the far dangerous seas of Oceania.
Find out moreCinema
Moana 2 (Captioned)
Tuesday 31 December 2024
2:00 pm
After receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors in Moana 2, our leading lady must journey to the far dangerous seas of Oceania.
Find out moreChildren & Families
Free
Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Breakdancing
Friday 03 January 2025
10:45 am
Children can show off their best moves this December with Breakdance at Firstsite Holiday Fun in Colchester!
Find out moreChildren & Families
Free
Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Rugby
Friday 03 January 2025
12:00 pm
Children can get active and release some steam this December with Rugby at Firstsite Holiday Fun in Colchester!
Find out moreCinema
Conclave
Friday 03 January 2025
8:30 pm
More times available
Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting the new Pope and cardinal Lawrence is tasked with this…
Find out moreChildren & Families
Free
Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Circus
Saturday 04 January 2025
10:45 am
Step right up, step right up, for this December Holiday Fun session to learn some circus skills with Beef Wright!
Find out moreCinema
Conclave (Captioned)
Saturday 04 January 2025
2:00 pm
Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting the new Pope and cardinal Lawrence is tasked with this…
Find out moreCinema
All We Imagine as Light
Saturday 04 January 2025
4:15 pm
More times available
All We Imagine as Light is a beautiful and emotional film exploring the complexities of friendship and the vibrant Mumbai atmosphere.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart
Saturday 04 January 2025
6:00 pm
More times available
A one-of-a-kind life drawing class, where your tutor and model will offer multiple poses in fantastical settings.
Find out moreCinema
Wicked (Parent & Baby)
Tuesday 07 January 2025
11:30 am
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin.
Find out moreCinema
Layla
Tuesday 07 January 2025
3:00 pm
More times available
When Layla, a struggling Arab drag queen, falls in love, they lose and find themselves in a transformative relationship that tests them.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Dance and Movement for Well-being
Friday 10 January 2025
10:30 am
More times available
A gentle session for over 60s to ease joint mobility, improve agility, balance and self-awareness in movement. Every Friday 10:30am during term times.
Find out moreCinema
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
Friday 10 January 2025
11:00 am
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is the untold story behind Helm’s Deep, hundreds of years before the fateful war.
Find out moreCinema
The Universal Theory
Friday 10 January 2025
2:30 pm
More times available
Timm Kröger’s outstanding film, The Universal Theory is a stunning cinematic mystery that blends in a mind-bending metaphysical narrative…
Find out moreCinema
Rumours (Captioned)
Friday 10 January 2025
5:15 pm
Rumours follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies after they become lost in the woods.
Find out moreCinema
Nightbitch
Friday 10 January 2025
7:45 pm
More times available
In Nightbitch, a woman pauses her career to be a stay-at-home mom, but soon her domesticity takes a surreal turn.
Find out moreCinema
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (Relaxed)
Saturday 11 January 2025
11:00 am
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is the untold story behind Helm’s Deep, hundreds of years before the fateful war.
Find out moreCinema
Rumours
Saturday 11 January 2025
7:00 pm
More times available
Rumours follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies after they become lost in the woods.
Find out moreCinema
Merchant Ivory
Sunday 12 January 2025
11:00 am
More times available
Merchant Ivory is a feature documentary film produced and directed by Soucy in collaboration with Director and Screenwriter, James Ivory.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Mini Movers & Makers Toddler Group
Thursday 16 January 2025
10:00 am
More times available
This brand new artist-led toddler group provides a safe and fun environment for children under 5 and parents/carers to be curious and explore interactive, sensory storytelling and experiment with a range of art activities and materials.
Find out moreCinema
Nightbitch (Parent & Baby)
Thursday 16 January 2025
11:30 am
In Nightbitch, a woman pauses her career to be a stay-at-home mom, but soon her domesticity takes a surreal turn.
Find out moreCinema
A Sudden Glimpse Into Deeper Things
Thursday 16 January 2025
8:00 pm
More times available
A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things explores the pivotal 1949 experience that reshaped Wilhelmina Barns-Graham’s artistic perspective.
Find out moreCinema
Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Friday 17 January 2025
11:00 am
Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful and mysterious new adversary, Shadow, in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Find out moreCinema
Bird
Friday 17 January 2025
2:00 pm
More times available
Bird is a tender, striking and extraordinarily surprising coming-of-age fable about marginalised life in the fringes of contemporary society.
Find out moreCinema
On Becoming A Guinea Fowl
Friday 17 January 2025
5:15 pm
More times available
A new film from BAFTA-winning director Rungano Nyon, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a compelling drama about community and sisterhood.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Boozy Brushes
Friday 17 January 2025
7:30 pm
More times available
Join Sirena Hart for Boozy Brushes at Firstsite – our New Multi-Art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza!
Find out moreCinema
Queer
Friday 17 January 2025
7:40 pm
More times available
Queer is set in 1950s Mexico City where William Lee, an American ex-pat in his late forties leads a solitary life.
Find out moreCinema
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (Relaxed)
Saturday 18 January 2025
11:00 am
Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful and mysterious new adversary, Shadow, in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Find out moreCinema
Queer (Captioned)
Saturday 18 January 2025
1:00 pm
Queer is set in 1950s Mexico City where William Lee, an American ex-pat in his late forties leads a solitary life.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Life Drawing with Justine Moss – all levels
Saturday 18 January 2025
1:30 pm
More times available
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, gain confidence in drawing the figure, with these tutored life drawing sessions.
Find out moreCinema
Soundtrack To A Coup D’Etat
Saturday 18 January 2025
4:00 pm
More times available
Jazz and decolonisation fuse in Soundtrack to a Coup d’État, an upbeat historical rollercoaster, set through four voices.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Nature drawing workshop with Lisa Temple-Cox
Sunday 19 January 2025
10:30 am
More times available
Explore observational drawing and discover your favourite medium with this nature drawing workshop.
Find out moreCinema
The Royal Opera: The Tales of Hoffmann
Sunday 19 January 2025
2:00 pm
Four women: four curious love stories. Juan Diego Flórez leads a fantastic cast in the Royal Ballet and Opera: The Tales of Hoffman.
Find out moreTalks & Events
TASAF Lecture Series: Arts Hidden Secrets
Tuesday 21 January 2025
2:30 pm
Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Tony Rawlins in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!
Find out moreCinema
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (Parent & Baby)
Thursday 23 January 2025
11:30 am
Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful and mysterious new adversary, Shadow, in Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Introduction to Collage
Friday 24 January 2025
10:00 am
More times available
Sociable, creative and fun Introduction to Collage Workshop where you’ll learn new techniques, unwind and have a delicious lunch together.
Find out moreCinema
How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
Friday 24 January 2025
10:30 am
More times available
A man quits work to care for dying grandmother, motivated by her fortune. He schemes to show us How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies.
Find out moreCinema
The Contestant
Friday 24 January 2025
1:15 pm
More times available
The Contestant is the incredible true story of a man trapped inside a small room completely unaware that he was being broadcasted on TV.
Find out moreCinema
Mufasa: The Lion King (Relaxed)
Saturday 25 January 2025
11:00 am
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of Mufasa, Simba’s late father through Rafiki’s gripping account of the past.
Find out moreCinema
MET Opera Live: Aida
Saturday 25 January 2025
5:15 pm
American soprano Angel Blue headlines in MET Opera Live: Aida as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and country.
Find out moreCinema
The Flight of Bryan
Sunday 26 January 2025
11:00 am
More times available
The Flight of Bryan is a genre-busting tale of unemployed amateur cyclist, Bryan Allen, and heavily in debt father of three, Paul MacCready.
Find out moreCinema
Mufasa: The Lion King (Captioned)
Sunday 26 January 2025
2:00 pm
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of Mufasa, Simba’s late father through Rafiki’s gripping account of the past.
Find out moreCinema
Mufasa: The Lion King (Parent & Baby)
Thursday 30 January 2025
11:30 am
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of Mufasa, Simba’s late father through Rafiki’s gripping account of the past.
Find out moreCinema
The Contestant + Q&A
Thursday 30 January 2025
8:00 pm
The Contestant is the incredible true story of a man trapped inside a small room completely unaware that he was being broadcasted on TV.
Find out moreCinema
Nickel Boys
Friday 31 January 2025
10:15 am
More times available
Nickel Boys is based on the historic reform school in 1960s Florida which was notorious for its abusive treatment of students.
Find out moreCinema
Spirited Away (Subtitled)
Friday 31 January 2025
2:00 pm
While exploring an abandoned village in Spirited Away, Chihiro’s parents undergo a mysterious transformation.
Find out moreCinema
Spirited Away (Relaxed)
Saturday 01 February 2025
11:00 am
While exploring an abandoned village in Spirited Away, Chihiro’s parents undergo a mysterious transformation.
Find out moreCinema
Better Man
Saturday 01 February 2025
7:50 pm
More times available
Better Man looks at the rise, fall and resurrection of Williams – one of the UK’s bestselling artists of all time.
Find out moreCinema
Better Man (Captioned)
Sunday 02 February 2025
10:00 am
Better Man looks at the rise, fall and resurrection of Williams – one of the UK’s bestselling artists of all time.
Find out moreCinema
Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (40th Anniversary celebration)
Sunday 02 February 2025
1:00 pm
More times available
Les Misérables is one of the world’s most popular musicals. Experience this unique encore of the show to celebrate its 40th Anniversary.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
The Art Café
Tuesday 04 February 2025
10:30 am
More 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.
Find out moreCinema
Spirited Away (Parent & Baby)
Thursday 06 February 2025
11:30 am
While exploring an abandoned village in Spirited Away, Chihiro’s parents undergo a mysterious transformation.
Find out moreCinema
Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo
Thursday 06 February 2025
7:00 pm
More times available
Witness this gripping tale in a brand-new production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth staring David Tennant & Cush Jumbo.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Oil Painting for Beginners with Jevan Watkins Jones
Friday 07 February 2025
10:30 am
More times available
Explore oil painting techniques with the inspiring work of contemporary and historic artists in these fun and experimental sessions!
Find out moreTalks & Events
TASAF Lecture Series: A History of World Art in 5 Symbols
Tuesday 18 February 2025
2:30 pm
Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Matthew Wilson in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!
Find out moreCinema
National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest
Thursday 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.
Find out moreCinema
The Royal Ballet: Swan Lake
Thursday 27 February 2025
7:15 pm
More times available
The Royal Ballet: Swan Lake combines Tchaikovsky’s score with incredibly creative choreography and designs.
Find out moreCinema
Jesus Christ Superstar Live
Tuesday 04 March 2025
2:00 pm
More times available
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar Live returns to its roots with this sensational performance in the UK.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Inspirational Women Talk and Portrait Workshop
Saturday 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.
Find out moreCinema
A Night With Janis Joplin The Musical
Thursday 13 March 2025
5:00 pm
More times available
A Night with Janis Joplin, The Musical is a multi award-winning extraordinary musical journey paying homage to Janis Joplin.
Find out moreCinema
MET Opera Live: Fidelio
Saturday 15 March 2025
4:45 pm
Following a string of awe-inspiring performances, Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen returns as Leonore in MET Opera Live: Fidelio.
Find out moreTalks & Events
TASAF Lecture Series: Mirror Mirror on the Wall
Tuesday 18 March 2025
2:30 pm
Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Arantxa Sardina in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!
Find out moreCinema
The Royal Ballet: Romeo & Juliet
Thursday 20 March 2025
7:15 pm
More times available
In The Royal Ballet: Romeo & Juliet, love flourishes in Verona despite the shadow of an ancient family feud.
Find out moreCinema
Exhibition on Screen: Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874
Tuesday 25 March 2025
2:00 pm
More times available
Impressionists are the most famous in art history but they were once penniless outsiders, until the Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874.
Find out moreCinema
National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove
Thursday 27 March 2025
7:00 pm
Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Dr. Strangelove.
Find out moreCinema
Billy Elliot The Musical Live (20th Anniversary)
Sunday 30 March 2025
2:00 pm
More 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.
Find out moreCinema
The Royal Opera: Turandot
Sunday 06 April 2025
2:00 pm
The Royal Ballet and Opera: Turandot is puccini’s captivating opera of a cold-hearted princess and her mysterious suitor.
Find out moreCinema
André Rieu’s 75th Birthday Celebration: The Dream Continues
Saturday 12 April 2025
4:00 pm
More 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.
Find out moreTalks & Events
TASAF Lecture Series: Roots of Jazz
Tuesday 15 April 2025
2:30 pm
Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Emma Johnson in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Boozy Brushes – Paint in Pairs
Friday 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!
Find out moreCinema
MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro
Saturday 26 April 2025
5:45 pm
Mozart’s timeless and profoundly humane comedy returns to Firstsite in MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro.
Find out moreCinema
Bonnie & Clyde The Musical
Thursday 01 May 2025
7:00 pm
More 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.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Words from Art Poetry Workshop
Thursday 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.
Find out moreCinema
MET Opera Live: Salome
Saturday 17 May 2025
5:45 pm
Met Music Director Nézet-Séguin takes the podium to conduct Strauss’s one-act incendiary and powerful tragedy in MET Opera Live: Salome.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Writing the Self – Creative Writing Workshop
Sunday 18 May 2025
10:30 am
Delve into the relationship between writing and yourself using your personal experiences to create literary works of art.
Find out moreCinema
The Royal Opera: Die Walküre
Sunday 18 May 2025
2:00 pm
Gods and mortals battle in the second chapter of Wagner’s Ring cycle in the Royal Ballet and Opera: Die Walküre.
Find out moreCinema
Exhibition on Screen: Michelangelo: Love and Death
Wednesday 21 May 2025
2:00 pm
More times available
Michelangelo’s spectacular works seem so familiar, but do we really know this renaissance genius? This is Michelangelo: Love and Death.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Boozy Brushes – Paint Your Pet
Friday 23 May 2025
7:30 pm
Join Sirena Hart at Firstsite for Boozy Brushes a multi-art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza where you can paint your pet!
Find out moreCinema
The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works
Sunday 25 May 2025
2:00 pm
The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works showcases the remarkable choreographic range of Christopher Wheeldon.
Find out moreCinema
MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia
Saturday 31 May 2025
5:45 pm
MET Opera Live 2024–25 season comes to a close with MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini’s effervescent comedy.
Find out moreTalks & Events
TASAF Lecture Series: Visual Magic in the Musicals
Tuesday 17 June 2025
2:30 pm
Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Christopher Budd in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!
Find out moreCommunity and Partners
Free
Colchester Library Rhymetimes at Firstsite
Wednesday 16 July 2025
While Colchester Library is closed for refurbishment, weekly Baby & Toddler Rhymetimes are continuing at Firstsite.
Find out more