Enjoy freshly made hot meals for all the family at Firstsite’s canteen in Colchester town centre – available every Saturday and Sunday in February and March.

Meals are available for children and their caregivers, we ask that caregivers stay on site throughout the meals.

Our Holiday Fun activities are for families facing economic challenges or who require additional support during the school holidays, including those that qualify for benefits-based free school meals.

Holiday Fun is designed in partnership with African Families in the UK, Bangladeshi Women’s Association Essex, and Refugee Action Colchester.

Ramadan Takeaway option

For attendees observing Ramadan, please bring in suitable sealable Tupperware/food containers if you wish to take your meals home. Unfortunately we cannot provide takeaway containers.

Relaxed dining area

We offer an area to one side of our canteen which is quieter and more private, with a range of sensory toys. Any family that would prefer to have their lunch in the relaxed area, please email [email protected] or speak to us on the day.

How to book

Scroll down to book your spaces.

Early bird tickets are on sale from 9am on Friday 27 January 2023. More tickets will be released three days in advance of each session.

Bookings can be made by selecting a date at the bottom of this page, or by calling 01206 713 700. Spaces are limited, offered on a first come, first served basis.

We have put measures in place to provide a safe and fun experience for everyone.  Find out more about our safety measures

How to get to Firstsite Canteen

Please note there is no parking available at Firstsite, however there are car parks nearby, and Colchester Town Centre is well serviced by public transport. How to get here

If you can no longer attend your booking…

Please let us know as soon as possible if you can’t attend your booking by emailing

[email protected] or by calling 01206 713 700. If you or your child feels unwell on the day of an event, we ask that you please don’t attend.

If you contact us 24 hours before the event your space can be made available for another family. Thank you!

Explore more of Holiday Fun

Get creative with all the family in our art drop-in activities , plus children can take part in our Holiday Fun movement activities – find out more and book here

Supported by

We will be providing our Holiday Fun programme every weekend throughout February and March, as well as Tue 14 Feb – Fri 17 Feb during Feb Half term. The Holiday Fun Programme is delivered with Art Fund support

Holiday Fun is designed in partnership with African Families in the UK, Bangladeshi Women’s Association Essex, and Refugee Action Colchester.