Join us for a celebration of creativity, bringing together a diverse range of artists, collectors, art lovers, and anyone simply curious about art.

Set in a welcoming environment, our fair showcases a stunning array of original artworks, including paintings and sculptures. Whether you’re on the hunt for a unique gift or treating yourself to something special, this is your chance to discover one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to you.

Meet emerging and established artists, explore their unique creations, and snap up exclusive pieces to add to your collections.

With interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and thought-provoking artworks, there’s something for everyone.

Each Art Fair will feature a variety of exciting activities, including:

• A display of original artworks
• Opportunities to network with other artists and art enthusiasts
• Portfolio surgeries
• Live demonstrations and hands-on workshops
• Guided tours of the Firstsite gallery to immerse yourself in our exhibitions

Entry is free, but you will need to purchase tickets to participate in the live demonstrations and workshops. If you would like to attend a Portfolio Surgery session, you would also need to book a time-slot.

Sat 14 Nov lineup:

The Art of Upcycling: Winter Wear and Decorations

Sat 14 Nov 2026, 10am-12pm

Get into the festive spirit and give old clothes a new lease of life in this creative, hands-on workshop exploring the art of upcycling.

Bring along an old, ripped, worn or unworn piece of clothing and transform it into something new for winter – from a festive accessory or badge to colourful decorations.

Paint a Modern Self Portrait with Oils

Sat 14 Nov 2026, 10am-3pm

Discover a more expressive approach to self-portraiture in this hands-on oil painting workshop, where you’ll explore how a portrait can capture character, emotion and identity without needing to look exactly like you.

Jumbo: The White Elephant That Built the Modern State Talk with David Grocott – Talk with Q&A

Sat 14 Nov 2026, 11am-12:30pm

Love it or loathe it, Jumbo has a story to tell.

Discover how Colchester’s iconic water tower became the centre of a Victorian debate about public health, taxation and the role of local government with historian and researcher David Grocott.

Festive Family Lantern Making

Sat 14 Nov 2026, 11am-4pm

Join us for a fun, festive family workshop where you’ll design and decorate a lantern to take home and enjoy throughout the winter season.

Festive Origami

Sat 14 Nov 2026, 5pm-7pm

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

Free artist portfolio surgeries

Book a free one-on-one portfolio review with an established artist and industry expert who will provide constructive feedback, professional guidance, and practical tips on how to strengthen your presentation, technique, and overall artistic vision.

This time, our expert panel includes artists Simon Carter, behind our current major exhibition From the Landscape, Justine Moss and Lisa Temple-Cox.

How to prepare for a portfolio review

Artist and researcher Larain Briggs shares practical guidance on selecting and presenting work, reflecting on process, and approaching review as a space for dialogue and discovery.

Artist open call

Artists, if you’re looking to expand your audience reach and take part in the next Firstsite Art Fair, please get in touch and apply! 

You will have the chance to network with other artists, showcase your work for free, and have your work reviewed by special guests (previous reviewers include SportsBanger, Sue Webster, and Frances Morris).

Deadline to apply for The Firstsite Art Fair on 14 Nov – Mon 26 Oct.