Godfried Donkor: It’s a Numbers Game

23 May - 30 August 2026

Step into a boxing ring. Stand face-to-face with the leaders and resisters who shaped history. Walk through waves of figures rising from the pages of the Financial Times.

Boozy Brushes

15 May - 10 July 2026

Multiple times available

Join Sirena Hart for Boozy Brushes at Firstsite – our New Multi-Art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza!

Arpita Shah: Nalini

13 June - 04 October 2026

Developed across India, East Africa and the UK, discover a photographic series that explores the connected histories of Arpita Shah, her mother, and grandmother.

National Theatre Live: Les Liaisons Dangereuses

25 - 28 June 2026

Multiple times available

Manville joins Turner in a striking new staging of Hampton’s celebrated adaptation in National Theatre Live: Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

University Centre Colchester (UCC): To Be Continued

18 April - 05 July 2026

Celebrate the next generation of Colchester’s artists in this dynamic, two-part exhibition from students at University Centre Colchester.

Watercolour Workshop

11 July - 13 September 2026

Multiple times available

Explore the materials, techniques and colour theory used to develop your watercolour paintings in this relaxed social session.

Trust The Process: Observational Drawing

14 May - 17 September 2026

Multiple times available

Our four-part Trust the Process: Observational Drawing workshop invites you to explore the foundations of observational art.

Krafty Kids

21 June - 20 September 2026

Multiple times available

Krafty Kids is a monthly creative workshop designed for young people aged 7-12+ who are curious about art and enjoy making their own work.

Paint Like…

15 May - 18 September 2026

Multiple times available

Learn how to recreate iconic artworks in a supportive and guided environment with our Paint Like… workshop.

The Christophers (Captioned)

21 June 2026

1:10 pm

A mainstay of the London art scene since his starry breakout in the creative explosion of the 1960’s, Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen) has drifted into a cluttered, self-imposed seclusion in The Christophers.

Life Drawing with Justine Moss – all levels

16 September 2023 - 11 July 2026

Multiple times available

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, gain confidence in drawing the figure, with these tutored life drawing sessions.

Mini Movers & Makers Toddler Group

26 March - 24 September 2026

Multiple times available

Artist-led toddler group provides a fun environment for children to explore sensory storytelling and experiment with a range of art activities.

Exploring Watercolour with Simon Carter

20 June 2026

Multiple times available

Explore the art of watercolour with internationally exhibited contemporary artist Simon Carter in Exploring Watercolour with Simon Carter!

The Christophers

20 June 2026

5:30 pm

A mainstay of the London art scene since his starry breakout in the creative explosion of the 1960’s, Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen) has drifted into a cluttered, self-imposed seclusion.

Erupcja

26 June - 01 July 2026

Multiple times available

While on vacation in Poland, Bethany breaks away from a romantic itinerary planned by her doting boyfriend, Rob, fearing that a marriage proposal is imminent.

Boozy Brushes – Paint Your Pal

23 May - 25 September 2026

Multiple times available

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

Gallery Tour

10 May - 11 July 2026

Multiple times available

Visit our major exhibition, Godfried Donkor: It’s a Number Game, and enrich your experience with a guided Gallery Tour led by a Firstsite Visitor Assistant.

Origami Workshop

20 June 2026

Multiple times available

In our Origami Workshop, Lu Yu will guide you step by step through the creation of specific origami shapes in this ancient art form!

The Firstsite Art Fair

11 July 2026

Multiple times available

The Firstsite Art Fair brings together a diverse range of artists, collectors, art lovers and all who are simply curious about art.

Hokum

12 - 18 June 2026

Multiple times available

When reclusive novelist Ohm Bauman (Scott) retreats to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes, the staff’s tales of an ancient witch haunting…

Make An Impressionist Still Life Painting

06 September 2026

10:00 am

Explore expressive still life painting through the techniques and ideas of Impressionism in this hands-on oil painting workshop focused on colour, light, and observation.

Fairyland

20 - 25 June 2026

Multiple times available

A father uproots his young daughter in search of a new life in 1970s San Francisco. But as she grows into a young woman, their bond is tested in surprising ways.

Modernist Painting: Cubism and Still Life

20 June 2026

10:00 am

Explore Modernist painting approaches to still life through Cubism and early abstraction, inspired by artists such as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Georges Braque, and create your own Cubist-inspired oil painting.

Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (4K Re-Issue)

28 June - 02 August 2026

Multiple times available

On an isolated island in Bretagne at the end of the eighteenth century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.

Rewilding Imagination Labs

21 May - 12 November 2026

Multiple times available

A monthly gathering for artists, creatives, and the curious to explore the uncharted territories of imagination.

YAK | Young Art Kommunity

18 June - 26 March 2026

Multiple times available

Young Art Kommunity (YAK) is Firstsite’s young-people peer led group which organises events and activities within the gallery and in the wider community.

Andre Rieu: Viva Maastricht!

08 - 20 August 2026

Multiple times available

This year, André Rieu celebrates a spectacular milestone – the 20th anniversary of his iconic summer concerts on the magnificent Vrijthof square.

BSFF Midsummer Scream: Cult Film Secret Screening

18 July 2026

8:15 pm

As is the Black Sunday tradition, the 2026 festival will close with a stone-cold cult classic with the BSFF Midsummer Scream: Cult Film Secret Screening!

Eagles Of The Republic

26 - 27 June 2026

Multiple times available

Egypt’s most adored actor, George El-Nabawi, falls into disgrace with the authorities overnight. On the verge of losing everything, George is forced to accept.

Ekow Eshun and Godfried Donkor: In Conversation

16 July 2026

6:30 pm

Join writer, curator and broadcaster Ekow Eshun in conversation with visual artist Godfried Donkor as they explore the ideas, influences and inspiration behind ‘Godfried Donkor: It’s a Numbers Game’.

The Sheep Detectives (Parent & Baby)

18 June 2026

11:00 am

In this witty, new breed of mystery, George is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can’t possibly understand.

National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World (Captioned)

18 June 2026

7:00 pm

Coughlan, Hardwicke and McSweeney in Synge’s riveting play of self-discovery, National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World.

Obsession

20 - 24 June 2026

Multiple times available

After breaking the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to win his crush’s heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for.

Firstsite Fabulous Fridays

10 July 2026 - 11 July 2025

Multiple times available

Immerse yourself in a world of unlimited creativity at our monthly Fabulous Fridays with unique workshops, art, tasty treats and great films!

Our Land (Captioned)

23 June 2026

2:00 pm

OUR LAND dares to tread where few have trespassed before, asking the timely question of who has the right to roam in the English countryside?

Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu (Parent & Baby)

02 July 2026

11:15 am

The Mandalorian and Grogu embark on their most thrilling mission yet in Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” an all-new Star Wars adventure.

Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass (Relaxed)

20 June 2026

11:00 am

During a chase in a museum, Tom and Jerry accidentally activate a magical compass that transports them to another world.

Window To The Soul: Immersive Virtual Gallery Experience

11 July 2026

2:00 pm

Join XRtist Hannah Aria for a unique immersive virtual gallery experience that builds a bridge between worlds.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu (Relaxed)

27 June 2026

11:00 am

The Mandalorian and Grogu embark on their most thrilling mission yet in Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” an all-new Star Wars adventure.