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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What's on
Top picks
Exhibitions
Free
Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances
26 October 2024 - 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.
Read moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Surrealism Poetry Workshop with Derek Adams
22 November 2024
7:30 pm
New to writing poetry or an experienced poet? Our Surrealism Poetry Workshop with Derek Adams will help you to revitalise your writing!
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Free
Jane Ostler: Finding the Hand of Kindness
12 October 2024 - 23 February 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.
Read moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart
04 January - 01 March 2025
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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Nature drawing workshop with Lisa Temple-Cox
08 December 2024 - 23 March 2025
Multiple times available
Explore observational drawing and discover your favourite medium with this nature drawing workshop.
Read moreCinema
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.
Read moreCinema
Emilia Pérez
29 November - 05 December 2024
Multiple times available
Through liberating song, dance and bold visuals, this odyssey follows Emilia Pérez and remarkable women in Mexico, in pursuit of happiness.
Read moreCinema
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.
Read moreCinema
Kiss Me, Kate: The Musical
29 November - 01 December 2024
Multiple times available
Porter’s legendary Kiss Me, Kate: The Musical comedy has backstage shenanigans, Shakespearean sonnets, singing gangsters and a hot romance!
Read moreCinema
Andre Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver
07 - 08 December 2024
Multiple times available
Celebrate the holiday season with André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver, exclusively in cinemas!
Read moreFestive Workshops
Festive Canal Folk Art
08 December 2024
2:00 pm
Delve into the techniques of Canal Folk Art this season with a Festive Canal Folk Art session and take home your flowery bauble masterpieces!
Read moreTalks & Events
EA Festival: Tattoos – Matt Lodder
28 November 2024
Multiple times available
EA Festival, Essex Book Festival and Firstsite are excited to present a talk with Matt Lodder, author of a new book entitled, Tattoos.
Read moreCinema
Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo
06 - 09 February 2025
Multiple times available
Witness this gripping tale in a brand-new production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth staring David Tennant & Cush Jumbo.
Read moreCinema
MET Opera Live: Tosca
23 November 2024
5:45 pm
Puccini’s MET Opera Live: Tosca about a volatile diva, a sadistic police chief, and an idealistic artist has offended and thrilled audiences!
Read moreCinema
Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration
22 November 2024
Multiple times available
Tuscany, Italy, bursts to life with enchanting melodies at the Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration featuring surprise guest appearances!
Read moreCinema
Dahomey (Captioned)
22 - 23 November 2024
Multiple times available
Dahomey is a poetic and immersive work of art that delves into real perspectives on appropriation, self-determination and restitution.
Read moreCinema
A Different Man
21 November 2024
Multiple times available
Edward undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance but this turns into a nightmare in A Different Man.
Read moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Introduction to Collage
24 January - 28 February 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.
Read moreCinema
Joker: Folie À Deux (Captioned)
21 November 2024
4:00 pm
Joker: Folie À Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker.
Read moreCinema
National Theatre Live: Prima Facie
05 December 2024
Multiple times available
Tony award-winning Prima Facie, shows Tessa a brilliant barrister who is forced to confront the lines of patriarchal power.
Read moreCinema
The Apprentice
22 - 27 November 2024
Multiple times available
The origins of Donald Trump are brought to life in a provocative, electrifying portrait of the man and his mentor in The Apprentice.
Read moreCinema
The Black Pirate (1926) – with live piano accompaniment
30 November 2024
2:30 pm
Experience The Black Pirate, one of the monumental accomplishments of the silent era, with a live piano accompaniment by Lillian Henley!
Read moreCinema
The Room Next Door
29 November - 05 December 2024
Multiple times available
Ingrid and Martha were close friends in their youth, but after years of being out of touch they meet again in The Room Next Door.
Read moreCinema
The Royal Ballet: Cinderella
15 December 2024
2:00 pm
Be transported into an ethereal world at the The Royal Ballet: Cinderella where a sprinkling of fairy dust makes dreams come true.
Read moreCinema
The Wild Robot (Parent & Baby)
03 December 2024
11:30 am
When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.
Read moreCinema
A Christmas Carol (2020)
14 December 2024
2:00 pm
A Victorian family prepares a performance of the timeless story A Christmas Carol, in a magical world of dancers and stylised sets.
Read moreCinema
CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast
07 December 2024
2:00 pm
The annual CBeebies Panto is back this year to celebrate the joyous season with the CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast!
Read moreCinema
Dahomey (Parent & Baby)
28 November 2024
11:30 am
Dahomey is a poetic and immersive work of art that delves into real perspectives on appropriation, self-determination and restitution.
Read moreCinema
Exhibitions
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.
Read moreCinema
CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast (Relaxed)
08 December 2024
11:00 am
The annual CBeebies Panto is back this year to celebrate the joyous season with the CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast!
Read moreCinema
Timestalker
22 - 27 November 2024
Multiple times available
The hapless heroine Agnes reincarnated every time she makes the same mistake: falling in love with the wrong man in Timestalker.
Read moreCelebrate Christmas with a fun and festive night at Firstsite
With its dramatic frontage and beautiful gallery spaces, Firstsite provides an unforgettable setting for your party
Firstsite is a registered charity; holding your Christmas party with us means
you are not only supporting the great exhibitions and social enterprises based here but you are also supporting the local community.
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 todayExplore 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.
Shop online
Make the most of your visit
Latest news
Antiques Roadshow returns for another spectacular search at Firstsite
14 November 2024
Press release: The second episode filmed at Colchester’s Firstsite, will air Sunday 17 November on BBC One at 20.00 The Antiques Roadshow returns to Essex with more antiques discoveries, heirloom histories and treasure hunting amongst the galleries…
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