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.

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!

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).

Björk’s Cornucopia

10 May 2025

7:45 pm

Björk’s Cornucopia, the highly anticipated concert film live in Lisbon, captures the celebrated artist’s tour that mesmerised audiences.

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.

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.

Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart

01 February 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.

The Art Café

04 February - 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.

Introduction to Collage

28 February - 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.

Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market

03 May 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.

National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove

27 March - 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.

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. 

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.

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.

National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

20 February - 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.

SIX The Musical Live!

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!

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!

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.

Acorn Village: 50 Years

26 April - 07 September 2025

Discover the inspiring 50-year journey of Acorn Village, told through a rich collection of artworks created by artists with learning disabilities.

Ernest Cole: Lost and Found

25 - 30 April 2025

Multiple times available

Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, shows how a South African photographer was the first to expose the horrors of apartheid to a world audience.

Exhibition on Screen: Michelangelo: Love and Death

21 - 24 May 2025

Multiple times available

Michelangelo’s spectacular works seem so familiar, but do we really know this renaissance genius? This is Michelangelo: Love and Death.

Firstsite Fabulous Fridays

16 May 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!

Holiday Fun: April 2025 – Canteen

08 - 19 April 2025

Multiple times available

Enjoy freshly made hot meals for all the family at Firstsite’s Holiday Fun Canteen in Colchester town centre.

The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works

25 May 2025

2:00 pm

The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works showcases the remarkable choreographic range of Christopher Wheeldon.

Origami Workshop

16 May 2025

7:00 pm

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

André Rieu’s 2025 Maastricht Concert: Waltz the Night Away!

30 - 31 August 2025

Multiple times available

Step into a night of music, romance, and celebration this summer from the stunning Vrijthof Square with André Rieu’s Waltz the Night Away!

Black Bag (Captioned)

19 April 2025

4:00 pm

From Director Soderbergh, Black Bag is a gripping spy drama about legendary intelligence agents Woodhouse and his beloved wife Kathryn.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

21 March - 25 April 2025

Multiple times available

Renée Zellweger returns in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy to the role that established a romantic-comedy heroine for the ages!

BSFF25: Krazy House

01 May 2025

3:20 pm

Krazy House follows religious homemaker Bernie and his sitcom family. When criminals invade his home he has to save his imprisoned family.

EcoArt Collage and Craft

16 May 2025

Multiple times available

Join us for our EcoArt Collage and Craft workshop where creativity meets sustainability In this unique group experience!

Flow

18 - 23 April 2025

Multiple times available

When a flood washes its home away, a solitary cat must seek refuge with a motley crew of animals, who gradually learn to go with the Flow.

Twiggy

18 - 22 April 2025

Multiple times available

Featuring contributions from Hoffman, McCartney, Tilbury, Lumley and many more, Twiggy is an exploration of the model’s upbringing.

Tall Tales

08 May 2025

5:45 pm

Be one of the first to hear Thom Yorke’s newest album accompanied with ground-breaking visual artist Jonathan Zawada in Tall Tales.