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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 23 February 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

The Queen Of My Dreams (Parent & Baby)

Tuesday 26 November 2024

11:30 am

With a shared obsession of Bollywood fantasy, Mariam and her daughter Azra come of age in two different eras in The Queen of My Dreams.

Find out more

Community and Partners

Free

Art in the Community

Tuesday 26 November 2024

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

More times available

Art in the Community sessions are for people who use creativity to improve their well-being, and for recovery from mental and physical issues

Find out more

Cinema

Timestalker

Tuesday 26 November 2024

2:00 pm

More times available

The hapless heroine Agnes reincarnated every time she makes the same mistake: falling in love with the wrong man in Timestalker.

Find out more

Community and Partners

Free

Colchester Library Rhymetimes at Firstsite

Wednesday 27 November 2024

More times available

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

Find out more

Cinema

The Apprentice

Wednesday 27 November 2024

11:00 am

The origins of Donald Trump are brought to life in a provocative, electrifying portrait of the man and his mentor in The Apprentice.

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Free

MiniCLIP Colchester

Wednesday 27 November 2024

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

More times available

MiniCLIP – a free weekly music club for young people age 11 to 14 at Firstsite Colchester, on term time Wednesdays from 4 – 5pm.

Find out more

Cinema

Dahomey (Parent & Baby)

Thursday 28 November 2024

11:30 am

Dahomey is a poetic and immersive work of art that delves into real perspectives on appropriation, self-determination and restitution.

Find out more

Cinema

Sugarcane

Thursday 28 November 2024

1:30 pm

An investigation into abuse and missing children at an Indian residential school sparks a reckoning on the nearby Sugarcane Reserve.

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Free

YAK | Young Art Kommunity

Thursday 28 November 2024

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

More times available

Young Art Kommunity (YAK) is Firstsite’s young-people peer led group which organises events and activities within the gallery and in the wider community.

Find out more

Talks & Events

EA Festival: Tattoos – Matt Lodder

Thursday 28 November 2024

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

EA Festival, Essex Book Festival and Firstsite are excited to present a talk with Matt Lodder, author of a new book entitled, Tattoos.

Find out more

Community and Partners

Free

Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK Viewing Party

Thursday 28 November 2024

7:30 pm

Time to warm up your inner drag and start your engines! This year’s Ru Paul’s drag race viewing party is back with a bang at Firstsite!

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Dance and Movement for Well-being

Friday 29 November 2024

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.

Find out more

Cinema

The Room Next Door

Friday 29 November 2024

10:30 am

More times available

Ingrid and Martha were close friends in their youth, but after years of being out of touch they meet again in The Room Next Door.

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Cinema

The Wild Robot

Friday 29 November 2024

1:30 pm

More times available

When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.

Find out more

Cinema

Emilia Pérez

Friday 29 November 2024

4:00 pm

More times available

Through liberating song, dance and bold visuals, this odyssey follows Emilia Pérez and remarkable women in Mexico, in pursuit of happiness.

Find out more

Cinema

Kiss Me, Kate: The Musical

Friday 29 November 2024

7:00 pm

More times available

Porter’s legendary Kiss Me, Kate: The Musical comedy has backstage shenanigans, Shakespearean sonnets, singing gangsters and a hot romance!

Find out more

Cinema

The Wild Robot (Relaxed)

Saturday 30 November 2024

11:00 am

When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.

Find out more

Cinema

The Black Pirate (1926) – with live piano accompaniment

Saturday 30 November 2024

2:30 pm

Experience The Black Pirate, one of the monumental accomplishments of the silent era, with a live piano accompaniment by Lillian Henley!

Find out more

Cinema

The Room Next Door (Captioned)

Saturday 30 November 2024

5:15 pm

More times available

Ingrid and Martha were close friends in their youth, but after years of being out of touch they meet again in The Room Next Door.

Find out more

Cinema

The Wild Robot (Captioned)

Sunday 01 December 2024

11:00 am

When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.

Find out more

Cinema

The Wild Robot (Parent & Baby)

Tuesday 03 December 2024

11:30 am

When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Mini Movers & Makers Toddler Group

Thursday 05 December 2024

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

Lee

Thursday 05 December 2024

4:15 pm

More times available

Photographer Lee Miller is determined to document the truth of the Nazi regime in spite of the odds stacked against female correspondents.

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Festive Workshops

Wreath Making

Thursday 05 December 2024

7:00 pm

Join Firstsite this joyous season for a wreath making session where you will learn how to make an eco-friendly wreath for your front door.

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Cinema

National Theatre Live: Prima Facie

Thursday 05 December 2024

7:00 pm

Tony award-winning Prima Facie, shows Tessa a brilliant barrister who is forced to confront the lines of patriarchal power.

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Festive Workshops

Wicker Star Workshop

Friday 06 December 2024

10:00 am

T’is the season to wicker! Feeling festive? How about lighting up your homes with a unique decoration in our Wicker Star workshop.

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Cinema

Small Things Like These

Friday 06 December 2024

11:00 am

More times available

Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance as devoted father Bill Furlong in Small Things Like These, based on a best-selling novel.

Find out more

Cinema

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

Friday 06 December 2024

1:30 pm

More times available

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story tells the rise of an unknown actor to a iconic movie star who set one of the greatest benchmarks.

Find out more

Cinema

Anora

Friday 06 December 2024

4:45 pm

More times available

Anora is a young sex worker who’s fairytale love story is disrupted as time reveals hidden secrets from her new husband.

Find out more

Cinema

Heretic

Friday 06 December 2024

7:45 pm

More times available

Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are ensnared in a deadly Heretic game.

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Big Festive Switch On

Community and Partners

Free

Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market

Saturday 07 December 2024

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

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

Watership Down (Relaxed)

Saturday 07 December 2024

11:00 am

A group of rabbits flee their doomed warren and face many dangers to find and protect their new home in Watership Down.

Find out more

Cinema

CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast

Saturday 07 December 2024

2:00 pm

The annual CBeebies Panto is back this year to celebrate the joyous season with the CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast!

Find out more

Cinema

The Holiday (Captioned)

Saturday 07 December 2024

3:45 pm

A woman plagued by man troubles finds her fortune improves when she befriends an Englishwoman while on vacation. Watch this screening for just £4 and donate your savings to our Big Give campaign!

Find out more

Cinema

Andre Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver

Saturday 07 December 2024

6:45 pm

More times available

Celebrate the holiday season with André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver, exclusively in cinemas!

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Nature drawing workshop with Lisa Temple-Cox

Sunday 08 December 2024

10:30 am

More times available

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

Find out more

Cinema

CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast (Relaxed)

Sunday 08 December 2024

11:00 am

The annual CBeebies Panto is back this year to celebrate the joyous season with the CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast!

Find out more

Festive Workshops

Festive Canal Folk Art

Sunday 08 December 2024

2:00 pm

Delve into the techniques of Canal Folk Art this season with a Festive Canal Folk Art session and take home your flowery bauble masterpieces!

Find out more

Cinema

Anora (Captioned)

Tuesday 10 December 2024

2:00 pm

Anora is a young sex worker who’s fairytale love story is disrupted as time reveals hidden secrets from her new husband.

Find out more

Cinema

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (Parent & Baby)

Thursday 12 December 2024

11:30 am

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story tells the rise of an unknown actor to a iconic movie star who set one of the greatest benchmarks.

Find out more

Cinema

Small Things Like These (Captioned)

Thursday 12 December 2024

5:40 pm

Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance as devoted father Bill Furlong in Small Things Like These, based on a best-selling novel.

Find out more

Cinema

Paddington In Peru (Captioned)

Friday 13 December 2024

4:30 pm

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.

Find out more

Tours

Avatars & Alliances: Exhibition Tour

Friday 13 December 2024

6:30 pm

Experience the our Leonora Carrington exhibition with a tour by Programme Manager, Exhibitions George Morl. 

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Boozy Brushes

Friday 13 December 2024

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

Community and Partners

Free

Colchester Record Fair

Saturday 14 December 2024

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Colchester’s Record Fair returns to Firstsite, a treat for both enthusiasts and casual collectors alike. Come browse through stall holders’ collections of vinyl and CDs from a vast range of genres. Grab yourself a bargain – or perhaps something a little rarer.  

Find out more

Cinema

Paddington In Peru (Relaxed)

Saturday 14 December 2024

11:00 am

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.

Find out more

Cinema

A Christmas Carol (2020)

Saturday 14 December 2024

2:00 pm

A Victorian family prepares a performance of the timeless story A Christmas Carol, in a magical world of dancers and stylised sets.  

Find out more

Cinema

Point Break (4K Restoration)

Saturday 14 December 2024

7:30 pm

FBI agent Utah, goes undercover with a gang of surfers, led by Swayze’s Bodhi, who are suspects in a series of bank robberies in Point Break.

Find out more

Cinema

Paddington In Peru

Sunday 15 December 2024

11:00 am

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.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Ballet: Cinderella

Sunday 15 December 2024

2:00 pm

Be transported into an ethereal world at the The Royal Ballet: Cinderella where a sprinkling of fairy dust makes dreams come true.

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Talks & Events

TASAF Lecture Series: The Christmas Story from London’s National Gallery

Tuesday 17 December 2024

2:30 pm

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

Find out more

Cinema

Paddington In Peru (Parent & Baby)

Thursday 19 December 2024

11:00 am

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.

Find out more

Cinema

It’s A Wonderful Life (Captioned)

Friday 20 December 2024

10:30 am

It’s a Wonderful Life shows how George Bailey finds his previously happy life falling apart around him on Christmas Eve.

Find out more

Cinema

Piece By Piece

Friday 20 December 2024

1:00 pm

More times available

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

Find out more

Cinema

Wicked

Friday 20 December 2024

3:30 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

Cinema

The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker

Friday 20 December 2024

7:00 pm

More times available

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

Find out more

Cinema

Wicked (Relaxed)

Saturday 21 December 2024

11:00 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

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (Captioned)

Saturday 21 December 2024

2:15 pm

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story tells the rise of an unknown actor to a iconic movie star who set one of the greatest benchmarks.

Find out more

Cinema

Die Hard

Saturday 21 December 2024

7:30 pm

On Christmas Eve, tough New York detective John McClane arrives in Los Angeles with the aim of reconciling with his estranged wife, Holly in Die Hard.

Find out more

Cinema

It’s A Wonderful Life

Sunday 22 December 2024

11:00 am

It’s a Wonderful Life shows how George Bailey finds his previously happy life falling apart around him on Christmas Eve.

Find out more

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.

Find out more

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.

Find out more

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.

Find out more

Cinema

Moana 2 (Relaxed)

Saturday 28 December 2024

11:00 am

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

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.

Find out more

Cinema

Moana 2

Sunday 29 December 2024

11:00 am

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

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

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.

Find out more

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.

Find out more

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

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

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.

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.

Find out more

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

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

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.

Find out more

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.

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.

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.

Find out more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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