EVEWRIGHT: Libation

08 July - 29 October 2023

‘Libation’ marks EVEWRIGHT’s first solo exhibition in a public gallery, showcasing a collection of new and seminal works spanning 20 years. The exhibition’s title, ‘Libation’, refers to the ceremonial pouring of a liquid to pay homage to ancestors or…

Libations & Conversations – A celebration of Black history, creativity and culture

27 October 2023

6:00 pm

Join us for an evening celebrating Black history, art, and culture, featuring the artists and performers EVEWRIGHT, Elsa James, Harold Offeh and Dr ‘H’ Patten.

Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart

07 October 2023 - 03 February 2024

Multiple times available

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

@background_bob and his amazing friends…back again!

01 April - 08 October 2023

Essex artist @background_bob returns to Firstsite for his third energetic and uplifting exhibition. ‘Back again!’ features over 270 collaborative artworks created by @background_bob with leading international street and graffiti artists including Mr Doodle, Shepard Fairey and Wrdsmith, other big…

Weekly Watercolour for Beginners with Justine Moss

03 August - 07 December 2023

Multiple times available

Join our weekly group for watercolourists of all levels where you will be introduced to the materials, techniques and colour
theory to develop your paintings.

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

13 September - 01 October 2023

Multiple times available

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake returns to cinemas and is ‘as bold and beautiful as ever’ (★★★★★ Telegraph).

Colchester Record Fair

18 November 2023 - 05 November 2022

Multiple times available

Colchester’s Record Fair returns to Firstsite, a treat for both enthusiasts and casual collectors alike. Come browse through stall holders’ collections of vinyl and CDs from a vast range of genres. Grab yourself a bargain – or perhaps something a little rarer.  

A Little Life

28 - 30 September 2023

Multiple times available

A Little Life follows four college friends in New York City: aspiring actor Willem, successful architect Malcolm, struggling artist JB, and prodigious lawyer Jude.

S&B Sunday Sessions

06 August - 29 October 2023

Multiple times available

Join the S&B ladies for a fun and relaxed Sunday as we host 2 different seasonal themed creative sessions for people aged 14+ of all abilities.

The Royal Opera House: The Nutcracker

17 December 2023

1:45 pm

Discover the enchantment of ballet with this sparkling festive treat for the whole family.

Barbie

04 August - 05 October 2023

Multiple times available

Eccentric and individualistic, Barbie is exiled from Barbieland because of her imperfections. When her home world is in peril, Barbie returns.

Bobi Wine: The People’s President

22 September - 11 October 2023

Multiple times available

Follows Ugandan opposition leader, activist and musical star Bobi Wine. He used his music to fight the regime led by Yoweri Museveni.

Knitting for Newbies with Clare Sams

05 August - 10 December 2023

Multiple times available

Yarn artist Clare Sams introduces you to the wonders of wool using knitting and crochet.

Boozy Brushes

25 August 2023 - 16 February 2024

Multiple times available

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

Past Lives

29 September - 05 October 2023

Multiple times available

Past Lives showing now! Join two childhood friends for one fateful week in New York as they confront notions of destiny and love.

Theater Camp

29 September - 04 October 2023

Multiple times available

Amos and Rebecca-Diane – lifelong best friends and drama instructors at a rundown camp in upstate New York, band together to keep their beloved summer camp afloat.

Landscape Drawing – A Discovery Day with Simon Carter

20 October 2023 - 28 January 2024

Multiple times available

Join Simon for a day of intensive study into landscapes, working in the grounds of Firstsite (weather permitting) with a delicious lunch included. 

AngelHeaded Hipster + Recorded Q&A

06 October 2023

7:00 pm

AngelHeaded Hipster celebrates the life and work of glam rock pioneer Marc Bolan, combined with a behind-the-scenes look at the tribute album.

Everyone Can Draw Supper

14 October 2023 - 20 January 2024

Multiple times available

Join artist Samantha Barnes for Drawing Art Suppers – our new light-hearted, confidence-inducing workshop including delicious food and drawing.

Mark-making workshop with Lucy Scott

04 August - 08 December 2023

Multiple times available

Try something spontaneous, immediate and mindful with this meditative workshop

A Haunting in Venice

13 - 19 October 2023

Multiple times available

A Haunting in Venice follows yet another detective Poirot adventure, as he stumbles upon a murder while reluctantly attending a seance.

Air Dry Clay Workshop – Winter Decorations Ages 8-16

03 December 2023

10:30 am

This is a fun and exciting opportunity to get your children into the festive spirit and create special and unique clay winter decorations to be treasured.

Candle Making Festive Workshop

08 December 2023

Multiple times available

A fun, relaxing two-hour workshop to guide you through the process of making your own hand-poured scented candle to take home.

Fremont (Captioned)

10 October 2023

1:30 pm

Formerly a translator for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, Donya struggles to rebuild her life in Fremont and works for a Chinese fortune cookie factory.

Golda

20 October 2023

11:00 am

Golda follows Meir, Israel’s first female prime minister, in an existential Yom Kippur War fighting for Israel’s continued nationhood.

Hocus Pocus (30th Anniversary)

24 - 27 October 2023

Multiple times available

The Sanderson Sisters are making their way back to the big screen in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Hocus Pocus first release back in 1993!

Once Upon a Time in Uganda

08 - 19 October 2023

Multiple times available

Once upon a time in Uganda two unlikely friends from opposite sides of the world unite over their shared love of Chuck Norris.

Stop Making Sense (Remastered)

20 October 2023

2:00 pm

Experience once again the newly restored Stop Making Sense now in 4K, a 1984 film, considered as the greatest concert film of all time.

The Canterville Ghost

22 - 26 October 2023

Multiple times available

In this adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic children’s story, the ghost of Sir Simon Canterville has been roaming his castle for centuries.

The Exorcist (50th Anniversary)

28 - 29 October 2023

Multiple times available

Widely considered the greatest horror film ever made, The Exorcist comes back to the big screen to celebrate its 50th anniversary!

The Lesson (Parent & Baby)

12 October 2023

11:30 am

The Lesson tells a story of an aspiring writer Liam who accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol author J.M. Sinclair.

The Old Oak

20 October 2023

4:15 pm

Follow the story around the last remaining pub, The Old Oak in the Northeast England, where people are leaving the land as the mines are closed.