Claire Cansick: You and I Are Earth

14 October 2023 - 14 April 2024

What effect do we have on the landscapes around us? You and I Are Earth charts the devastating effects of climate change and the human impact on the environment across the world.

Yuletide Wreath Making Workshop

16 December 2023

3:00 pm

Join artist and wildcrafter Lora Aziz to create your very own Yuletide wreath from locally sourced foliage.

Wyrd Flora, YAK and Motanafas Collective: Power of Place: Earth, Gather, Form

04 November 2023 - 14 January 2024

Ranging from the saltmarshes of Essex’s Colne estuary to the Sinai mountains of Egypt, the landscape has a huge effect on us. It shapes our sense of place, identity and connection with nature. ‘Power of Place: Earth, Gather, Form’…

Knitting for Newbies with Clare Sams

10 December 2023

Multiple times available

Learn how to knit festive table table settings in our special festive Knitting for Newbies.

Weekly Watercolour for Beginners with Justine Moss

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.

The Royal Opera House: The Nutcracker

17 - 21 December 2023

Multiple times available

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

Boozy Brushes

15 December 2023 - 16 February 2024

Multiple times available

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

Air Dry Clay Workshop For Ages 8-16 yrs – Winter Decorations

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.

National Theatre Live: Skylight

10 December 2023

Multiple times available

Returning to the big screen after nearly ten years, Bill Nighy (Living) and Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman) feature in the critically acclaimed revival of David Hare’s play Skylight, directed by Stephen Daldry (The Audience).

The Royal Opera House: The Winter’s Tale

26 May 2024

1:45 pm

Shakespeare’s profound story of love and loss, artfully adapted into a contemporary three- act narrative ballet by Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon.

First Thursdays

07 December - 02 November 2023

Multiple times available

Come out and experience some of the fantastic local artistic talent which we have on offer!  There is creativity around every corner on the first Thursday of every month.

Hic Sumus and Friends Festive Concert

22 December 2023

6:45 pm

Join us for a festive evening of live music, poetry reading and performance with Hic Sumus Choir and friends!

Late Lounge @ Firstsite

01 - 08 December 2023

Multiple times available

Join us for late cocktails and strange happenings in our late night lounge. Ambient DJ’s create a sonic backdrop to a bizarre, surreal and at times truly mystifying collection of performances.

National Theatre Live: Vanya

22 February 2024

7:00 pm

Andrew Scott brings multiple characters to life in Simon Stephens’ radical new version of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya.

S&B Festive Special

02 December 2023

6:00 pm

Join Amy and Megan from S&B Colchester in our café for a special evening of festive textile crafting to decorate your home with this winter!

André Rieu’s White Christmas

02 - 09 December 2023

Multiple times available

For many, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. This year it will come early with André Rieu’s White Christmas cinema special.

Dragonfly Lounge Presents: Drag Quiz

02 December 2023

Multiple times available

Get ready for a dazzling night of wit, wisdom, and fierce competition at The Dragonfly Lounge with the fabulous Tracey Paper and Karmen Stretch!

Essex Girls

29 November 2023

Multiple times available

Flipping the “Essex Girl” trope, this coming-of-age film explores Black British girlhood and magical female friendships in 2009 Essex.

Everyone Can Draw Festive Lunch

17 December 2023

Multiple times available

Join artist Samantha Barnes for Drawing Art Festive Lunch – a light-hearted, confidence-inducing workshop including delicious food and drawing.

Mark-making workshop with Lucy Scott

08 December 2023

Multiple times available

Try something spontaneous, immediate and mindful with this meditative workshop

Opening Celebration | Lucy Harwood: Bold Impressions

01 December 2023

Multiple times available

Join us to celebrate the opening of our new exhibition, Lucy Harwood: Bold Impressions Be the first to experience the first major exhibition of Lucy Harwood’s work since 1975.  Immerse yourself in the life and work of the late…

The Great Escaper

29 - 30 November 2023

Multiple times available

The Great Escaper celebrates enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation.