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Exhibitions

Free

Tim Noble & Sue Webster: Love and Hate at Firstsite

Thursday 09 November 2023 - Saturday 01 February 2025

In this presentation, seven light sculptures by Noble & Webster illuminate areas of the Firstsite building with pops of glimmering colour.

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Exhibitions

Free

Nicola Burrell: Concrete Dreams

Saturday 20 April 2024 - Sunday 20 April 2025

Discover Colchester-based artist Nicola Burrell’s vibrant three-dimensional artworks and sculptures inspired by New Towns in Essex.

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Exhibitions

Free

Jane Ostler: Finding the Hand of Kindness

Saturday 12 October 2024 - Sunday 02 March 2025

“Finding The Hand of Kindness” is inspired by Jane’s own life, reflecting on her roles as a caregiver, the impact of patriarchal expectations, and the everyday moments of kindness. Through her art, Jane invites us to see how creativity can be a source of comfort and connection.

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Exhibitions

Free

Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances

Saturday 26 October 2024 - Sunday 23 February 2025

Step into the magical and mystical world of Leonora Carrington, the British-Mexican painter and novelist, in her debut exhibition in the East of England.

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Exhibitions

Free

Halla Groves-Raines: Life in Patterns

Saturday 16 November 2024 - Sunday 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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Cinema

Piece By Piece (Captioned)

Tuesday 24 December 2024

11:00 am

Piece By Piece is an unparalleled experience that captures the magic of Pharrell Williams’ creative genius, one LEGO® brick at a time.

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Cinema

Wicked (Captioned)

Tuesday 24 December 2024

2:00 pm

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin.

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Children & Families

Free

Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Make

Friday 27 December 2024

10:00 am - 2:30 pm

More times available

Get making during our Holiday Fun: Make session with a variety of free creative activities at Firstsite this December.

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Children & Families

Free

Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Gardening

Friday 27 December 2024

10:45 am

Join us for these hands-on sessions where you will learn how to care for plants through nature inspired arts, crafts and planting. 

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Cinema

Moana 2 (Parent and Baby)

Friday 27 December 2024

11:30 am

After receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors in Moana 2, our leading lady must journey to the far dangerous seas of Oceania.

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Children & Families

Free

Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Canteen

Friday 27 December 2024

11:45 am

More 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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Children & Families

Free

Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Football

Friday 27 December 2024

12:00 pm

Run, jump and kick this autumn with Holiday Fun: Football! Meet your local heroes from Colchester Villa and teams in Colchester!

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Cinema

The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker

Friday 27 December 2024

2:00 pm

Discover the enchantment of ballet with The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker, a sparkling festive treat for the whole family.

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Cinema

Wicked

Friday 27 December 2024

6:00 pm

More times available

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin.

Find out more

Children & Families

Free

Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Drumming

Saturday 28 December 2024

10:45 am

Children can participate in this fun and relaxed session this winter holiday with Drumming at Firstsite Holiday Fun in Colchester!

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Cinema

Moana 2 (Relaxed)

Saturday 28 December 2024

11:00 am

More times available

After receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors in Moana 2, our leading lady must journey to the far dangerous seas of Oceania.

Find out more

Children & Families

Free

Holiday Fun: December 2024 -Afro-moves

Saturday 28 December 2024

12:00 pm

More times available

Dance your way into the winter holiday with fun and energetic Afro-Moves at Firstsite Holiday Fun in Colchester!

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Cinema

Paddington In Peru

Saturday 28 December 2024

5:00 pm

More times available

Paddington In Peru takes Paddington home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears.

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Cinema

Gladiator II

Saturday 28 December 2024

7:30 pm

More times available

After witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum in Gladiator II.

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Cinema

Moana 2

Sunday 29 December 2024

11:00 am

More times available

After receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors in Moana 2, our leading lady must journey to the far dangerous seas of Oceania.

Find out more

Cinema

Moana 2 (Captioned)

Tuesday 31 December 2024

2:00 pm

After receiving a call from her wayfinding ancestors in Moana 2, our leading lady must journey to the far dangerous seas of Oceania.

Find out more

Children & Families

Free

Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Breakdancing

Friday 03 January 2025

10:45 am

Children can show off their best moves this December with Breakdance at Firstsite Holiday Fun in Colchester!

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Children & Families

Free

Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Rugby

Friday 03 January 2025

12:00 pm

Children can get active and release some steam this December with Rugby at Firstsite Holiday Fun in Colchester!

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Cinema

Conclave

Friday 03 January 2025

8:30 pm

More times available

Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting the new Pope and cardinal Lawrence is tasked with this…

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Children & Families

Free

Holiday Fun: December 2024 – Circus

Saturday 04 January 2025

10:45 am

Step right up, step right up, for this December Holiday Fun session to learn some circus skills with Beef Wright!

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Cinema

Conclave (Captioned)

Saturday 04 January 2025

2:00 pm

Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting the new Pope and cardinal Lawrence is tasked with this…

Find out more

Cinema

All We Imagine as Light

Saturday 04 January 2025

4:15 pm

More times available

All We Imagine as Light is a beautiful and emotional film exploring the complexities of friendship and the vibrant Mumbai atmosphere.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart

Saturday 04 January 2025

6:00 pm

More times available

A one-of-a-kind life drawing class, where your tutor and model will offer multiple poses in fantastical settings.

Find out more

Cinema

Wicked (Parent & Baby)

Tuesday 07 January 2025

11:30 am

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin.

Find out more

Cinema

Layla

Tuesday 07 January 2025

3:00 pm

More times available

When Layla, a struggling Arab drag queen, falls in love, they lose and find themselves in a transformative relationship that tests them.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Dance and Movement for Well-being

Friday 10 January 2025

10:30 am

More times available

A gentle session for over 60s to ease joint mobility, improve agility, balance and self-awareness in movement. Every Friday 10:30am during term times.

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Cinema

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Friday 10 January 2025

11:00 am

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is the untold story behind Helm’s Deep, hundreds of years before the fateful war.

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Cinema

The Universal Theory

Friday 10 January 2025

2:30 pm

More times available

Timm Kröger’s outstanding film, The Universal Theory is a stunning cinematic mystery that blends in a mind-bending metaphysical narrative…

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Cinema

Rumours (Captioned)

Friday 10 January 2025

5:15 pm

Rumours follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies after they become lost in the woods.

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Cinema

Nightbitch

Friday 10 January 2025

7:45 pm

More times available

In Nightbitch, a woman pauses her career to be a stay-at-home mom, but soon her domesticity takes a surreal turn.

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Cinema

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (Relaxed)

Saturday 11 January 2025

11:00 am

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is the untold story behind Helm’s Deep, hundreds of years before the fateful war.

Find out more

Cinema

Rumours

Saturday 11 January 2025

7:00 pm

More times available

Rumours follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest liberal democracies after they become lost in the woods.

Find out more

Cinema

Merchant Ivory

Sunday 12 January 2025

11:00 am

More times available

Merchant Ivory is a feature documentary film produced and directed by Soucy in collaboration with Director and Screenwriter, James Ivory.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Mini Movers & Makers Toddler Group

Thursday 16 January 2025

10:00 am

More times available

This brand new artist-led toddler group provides a safe and fun environment for children under 5 and parents/carers to be curious and explore interactive, sensory storytelling and experiment with a range of art activities and materials.

Find out more

Cinema

Nightbitch (Parent & Baby)

Thursday 16 January 2025

11:30 am

In Nightbitch, a woman pauses her career to be a stay-at-home mom, but soon her domesticity takes a surreal turn.

Find out more

Cinema

A Sudden Glimpse Into Deeper Things

Thursday 16 January 2025

8:00 pm

More times available

A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things explores the pivotal 1949 experience that reshaped Wilhelmina Barns-Graham’s artistic perspective.

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Cinema

Sonic The Hedgehog 3

Friday 17 January 2025

11:00 am

Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful and mysterious new adversary, Shadow, in Sonic the Hedgehog 3

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Cinema

Bird

Friday 17 January 2025

2:00 pm

More times available

Bird is a tender, striking and extraordinarily surprising coming-of-age fable about marginalised life in the fringes of contemporary society.

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Cinema

On Becoming A Guinea Fowl

Friday 17 January 2025

5:15 pm

More times available

A new film from BAFTA-winning director Rungano Nyon, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a compelling drama about community and sisterhood.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Boozy Brushes

Friday 17 January 2025

7:30 pm

More times available

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

Find out more

Cinema

Queer

Friday 17 January 2025

7:40 pm

More times available

Queer is set in 1950s Mexico City where William Lee, an American ex-pat in his late forties leads a solitary life.

Find out more

Cinema

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (Relaxed)

Saturday 18 January 2025

11:00 am

Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful and mysterious new adversary, Shadow, in Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Find out more

Cinema

Queer (Captioned)

Saturday 18 January 2025

1:00 pm

Queer is set in 1950s Mexico City where William Lee, an American ex-pat in his late forties leads a solitary life.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Life Drawing with Justine Moss – all levels

Saturday 18 January 2025

1:30 pm

More times available

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, gain confidence in drawing the figure, with these tutored life drawing sessions.

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Cinema

Soundtrack To A Coup D’Etat

Saturday 18 January 2025

4:00 pm

More times available

Jazz and decolonisation fuse in Soundtrack to a Coup d’État, an upbeat historical rollercoaster, set through four voices.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Nature drawing workshop with Lisa Temple-Cox

Sunday 19 January 2025

10:30 am

More times available

Explore observational drawing and discover your favourite medium with this nature drawing workshop.

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Cinema

The Royal Opera: The Tales of Hoffmann

Sunday 19 January 2025

2:00 pm

Four women: four curious love stories. Juan Diego Flórez leads a fantastic cast in the Royal Ballet and Opera: The Tales of Hoffman.

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Talks & Events

TASAF Lecture Series: Arts Hidden Secrets

Tuesday 21 January 2025

2:30 pm

Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Tony Rawlins in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!

Find out more

Cinema

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 (Parent & Baby)

Thursday 23 January 2025

11:30 am

Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful and mysterious new adversary, Shadow, in Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Introduction to Collage

Friday 24 January 2025

10:00 am

More times available

Sociable, creative and fun Introduction to Collage Workshop where you’ll learn new techniques, unwind and have a delicious lunch together.

Find out more

Cinema

How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

Friday 24 January 2025

10:30 am

More times available

A man quits work to care for dying grandmother, motivated by her fortune. He schemes to show us How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies.

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Cinema

The Contestant

Friday 24 January 2025

1:15 pm

More times available

The Contestant is the incredible true story of a man trapped inside a small room completely unaware that he was being broadcasted on TV.

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Cinema

Mufasa: The Lion King (Relaxed)

Saturday 25 January 2025

11:00 am

Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of Mufasa, Simba’s late father through Rafiki’s gripping account of the past.

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Aida

Saturday 25 January 2025

5:15 pm

American soprano Angel Blue headlines in MET Opera Live: Aida as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and country.

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Cinema

The Flight of Bryan

Sunday 26 January 2025

11:00 am

More times available

The Flight of Bryan is a genre-busting tale of unemployed amateur cyclist, Bryan Allen, and heavily in debt father of three, Paul MacCready.

Find out more

Cinema

Mufasa: The Lion King (Captioned)

Sunday 26 January 2025

2:00 pm

Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of Mufasa, Simba’s late father through Rafiki’s gripping account of the past.

Find out more

Cinema

Mufasa: The Lion King (Parent & Baby)

Thursday 30 January 2025

11:30 am

Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of Mufasa, Simba’s late father through Rafiki’s gripping account of the past.

Find out more

Cinema

The Contestant + Q&A

Thursday 30 January 2025

8:00 pm

The Contestant is the incredible true story of a man trapped inside a small room completely unaware that he was being broadcasted on TV.

Find out more

Cinema

Nickel Boys

Friday 31 January 2025

10:15 am

More times available

Nickel Boys is based on the historic reform school in 1960s Florida which was notorious for its abusive treatment of students.

Find out more

Cinema

Spirited Away (Subtitled)

Friday 31 January 2025

2:00 pm

While exploring an abandoned village in Spirited Away, Chihiro’s parents undergo a mysterious transformation.

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Community and Partners

Free

Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market

Saturday 01 February 2025

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

More 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.

Find out more

Cinema

Spirited Away (Relaxed)

Saturday 01 February 2025

11:00 am

While exploring an abandoned village in Spirited Away, Chihiro’s parents undergo a mysterious transformation.

Find out more

Cinema

Better Man

Saturday 01 February 2025

7:50 pm

More times available

Better Man looks at the rise, fall and resurrection of Williams – one of the UK’s bestselling artists of all time.

Find out more

Cinema

Better Man (Captioned)

Sunday 02 February 2025

10:00 am

Better Man looks at the rise, fall and resurrection of Williams – one of the UK’s bestselling artists of all time.

Find out more

Cinema

Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (40th Anniversary celebration)

Sunday 02 February 2025

1:00 pm

More times available

Les Misérables is one of the world’s most popular musicals. Experience this unique encore of the show to celebrate its 40th Anniversary.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

The Art Café

Tuesday 04 February 2025

10:30 am

More 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.

Find out more

Cinema

Spirited Away (Parent & Baby)

Thursday 06 February 2025

11:30 am

While exploring an abandoned village in Spirited Away, Chihiro’s parents undergo a mysterious transformation.

Find out more

Cinema

Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo

Thursday 06 February 2025

7:00 pm

More times available

Witness this gripping tale in a brand-new production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth staring David Tennant & Cush Jumbo.

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Oil Painting for Beginners with Jevan Watkins Jones

Friday 07 February 2025

10:30 am

More times available

Explore oil painting techniques with the inspiring work of contemporary and historic artists in these fun and experimental sessions!

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Talks & Events

TASAF Lecture Series: A History of World Art in 5 Symbols

Tuesday 18 February 2025

2:30 pm

Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Matthew Wilson in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!

Find out more

Cinema

National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

Thursday 20 February 2025

7:00 pm

Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy – The Importance of Being Earnest.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Ballet: Swan Lake

Thursday 27 February 2025

7:15 pm

More times available

The Royal Ballet: Swan Lake combines Tchaikovsky’s score with incredibly creative choreography and designs.

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Cinema

Jesus Christ Superstar Live

Tuesday 04 March 2025

2:00 pm

More times available

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar Live returns to its roots with this sensational performance in the UK.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Inspirational Women Talk and Portrait Workshop

Saturday 08 March 2025

10:00 am

Spend your International Women’s Day with illustrator Lily Hammond in a fun, empowering workshop celebrating iconic leaders and trailblazers.

Find out more

Cinema

A Night With Janis Joplin The Musical

Thursday 13 March 2025

5:00 pm

More times available

A Night with Janis Joplin, The Musical is a multi award-winning extraordinary musical journey paying homage to Janis Joplin.

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Fidelio

Saturday 15 March 2025

4:45 pm

Following a string of awe-inspiring performances, Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen returns as Leonore in MET Opera Live: Fidelio.

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Talks & Events

TASAF Lecture Series: Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Tuesday 18 March 2025

2:30 pm

Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Arantxa Sardina in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Ballet: Romeo & Juliet

Thursday 20 March 2025

7:15 pm

More times available

In The Royal Ballet: Romeo & Juliet, love flourishes in Verona despite the shadow of an ancient family feud.

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Cinema

Exhibition on Screen: Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874

Tuesday 25 March 2025

2:00 pm

More times available

Impressionists are the most famous in art history but they were once penniless outsiders, until the Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874.

Find out more

Cinema

National Theatre Live: Dr. Strangelove

Thursday 27 March 2025

7:00 pm

Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Dr. Strangelove.

Find out more

Cinema

Billy Elliot The Musical Live (20th Anniversary)

Sunday 30 March 2025

2:00 pm

More times available

Billy Elliot The Musical shows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Opera: Turandot

Sunday 06 April 2025

2:00 pm

The Royal Ballet and Opera: Turandot is puccini’s captivating opera of a cold-hearted princess and her mysterious suitor.

Find out more

Cinema

André Rieu’s 75th Birthday Celebration: The Dream Continues

Saturday 12 April 2025

4:00 pm

More times available

André Rieu celebrates his 75th Birthday! The King of the Waltz invites you to a boat party with him and his beloved Johann Strauss Orchestra.

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Talks & Events

TASAF Lecture Series: Roots of Jazz

Tuesday 15 April 2025

2:30 pm

Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Emma Johnson in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Boozy Brushes – Paint in Pairs

Friday 25 April 2025

7:30 pm

Join Sirena Hart at Firstsite for Boozy Brushes a multi-art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza where you can paint in pairs!

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro

Saturday 26 April 2025

5:45 pm

Mozart’s timeless and profoundly humane comedy returns to Firstsite in MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro.

Find out more

Cinema

Bonnie & Clyde The Musical

Thursday 01 May 2025

7:00 pm

More 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.

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Words from Art Poetry Workshop

Thursday 08 May 2025

7:00 pm

Our Words from Art Poetry Workshop is practical session which will explore a variety of techniques to writing poems inspired by works of art.

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Salome

Saturday 17 May 2025

5:45 pm

Met Music Director Nézet-Séguin takes the podium to conduct Strauss’s one-act incendiary and powerful tragedy in MET Opera Live: Salome.

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Writing the Self – Creative Writing Workshop

Sunday 18 May 2025

10:30 am

Delve into the relationship between writing and yourself using your personal experiences to create literary works of art.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Opera: Die Walküre

Sunday 18 May 2025

2:00 pm

Gods and mortals battle in the second chapter of Wagner’s Ring cycle in the Royal Ballet and Opera: Die Walküre.

Find out more

Cinema

Exhibition on Screen: Michelangelo: Love and Death

Wednesday 21 May 2025

2:00 pm

More times available

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

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Boozy Brushes – Paint Your Pet

Friday 23 May 2025

7:30 pm

Join Sirena Hart at Firstsite for Boozy Brushes a multi-art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza where you can paint your pet!

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works

Sunday 25 May 2025

2:00 pm

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

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia

Saturday 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. 

Find out more

Talks & Events

TASAF Lecture Series: Visual Magic in the Musicals

Tuesday 17 June 2025

2:30 pm

Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Christopher Budd in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!

Find out more

Community and Partners

Free

Colchester Library Rhymetimes at Firstsite

Wednesday 16 July 2025

While Colchester Library is closed for refurbishment, weekly Baby & Toddler Rhymetimes are continuing at Firstsite.

Find out more
Welcome area at Firstsite. 'Big Hello' (2018) Peter Liversidge. Photo by Jayne Lloyd.

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