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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Top picks
Exhibitions
Free
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.
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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!
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Free
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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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Free
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Free
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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
Read moreBecome 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.
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Latest news
Firstsite Collectors’ Group Bursary Awards invest in eight more exciting talents from our region
19 March 2025
Recognising and supporting some of East Anglia’s most creative people, the Firstsite Collectors’ Group Bursary Awards will again provide financial support to eight outstanding artistic projects.
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