Welcome to Firstsite!
See the world differently – experience the very best art and culture from around the world that inspires, empowers and opens your mind.
Enjoy our exhibitions, workshops, films and events. Relax in our colourful cafe with outdoor seating and find quirky products in our shop.
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Top picks
Exhibitions
Free
University Centre Colchester (UCC): Legacy
08 March - 15 June 2025
In partnership with Colchester Institute, we’re proud to present the UCC: Legacy exhibition, featuring an exciting selection of multimedia works by second and third-year students from University Centre Colchester (UCC).
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Free
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.
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Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart
03 May 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.
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Billy Elliot The Musical Live (20th Anniversary)
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.
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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.
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The Art Café
02 April - 07 May 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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Introduction to Collage
04 April - 04 July 2025
Multiple times available
Sociable, creative and fun Introduction to Collage Workshop where you’ll learn new techniques, unwind and have a delicious lunch together.
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BSFF25: Cult Film Secret Screening
03 May 2025
8:05 pm
As is the Black Sunday tradition, we will be closing the 2025 festival with a stone-cold cult secret classic!
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Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market
05 April 2025 - 07 December 2024
Multiple times available
Have a handmade shopping day. The people in your life deserves something special and for a totally unique gift, you cannot beat handmade.
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Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert
03 - 05 April 2025
Multiple times available
Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert captures an extraordinary live performance of some of Zimmer’s most revered compositions…
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MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia
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.
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The Firstsite Art Fair
10 May 2025
Multiple times available
The Firstsite Art Fair brings together a diverse range of artists, collectors, art lovers and all who are simply curios about art.
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National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove
01 June 2025
Multiple times available
Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Dr. Strangelove.
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Neil Young Coastal
17 April 2025
7:00 pm
Take a journey with maverick musician in Neil Young Coastal, a personal, behind-the-scenes documentary on his recent solo tour.
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BSFF25: Bystanders
01 May 2025
12:50 pm
A group of murderous frat boys get more than they bargained for when they cross paths with a couple coming home from a wedding in Bystanders.
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National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest
11 May 2025
Multiple times available
Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy – The Importance of Being Earnest.
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SIX The Musical Live!
11 - 20 April 2025
Multiple times available
Filmed at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, the original West End Queens of SIX the Musical Live! are back on the big screen!
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Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII
24 - 27 April 2025
Multiple times available
Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, the 1972 film, features iconic songs, stunning visuals, and rare behind-the-scenes moments!
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MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro
26 April 2025
5:45 pm
Mozart’s timeless and profoundly humane comedy returns to Firstsite in MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro.
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Free
Elsa James: It Should Not Be Forgotten
29 March - 06 July 2025
Join Essex artist Elsa James in examining the heart of Britain’s colonial past and its lasting impact on Black life today.
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Become a Mosaic Member today!
Enjoy a unlimited free access to our films and a whole host of special offers and generous discounts with a Firstsite Mosaic Membership.
As a treat for yourself – or a gift for someone else – being a Firstsite Mosaic Members provides a year of fantastic benefits, and helps to support art and creativity in East Anglia.
Join today
Explore our online shop
Featuring a range of design-led products and books inspired by our exhibition programme, events and community, our shop has something for everyone. All profits from your purchase raises funds to help us keep our exhibitions free and supports our community outreach activities.
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Latest news
Firstsite Collectors’ Group Bursary Awards invest in eight more exciting talents from our region
19 March 2025
Recognising and supporting some of East Anglia’s most creative people, the Firstsite Collectors’ Group Bursary Awards will again provide financial support to eight outstanding artistic projects.
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