In this class you’ll be creating your very own portrait painting of a famous face – in an environment where everyone can express their own artistic flair with confidence, comfort and authenticity and most importantly the freedom to do so unapologetically. Sirena is an established Artist and Drag Performer in East Anglia who believes drag and portraiture together create a whole new creative experience. Come on down and learn to paint with Sirena Hart. Do you want to be part of Sirena’s Hartwork? Ticket price includes all materials and one drink from the bar. This event is for ages 18+.

Artist Justine Moss will offer guidance and advice to help you to learn skills in mark-making, portraying movement and capturing expression. Suitable for all abilities. Basic materials provided. For ages 18+. What is life drawing? During a life drawing session, there will be a nude model surrounded by artists. This is why the classes are limited to ages 18+. The model will be posing for different durations. The poses can vary from 2 minutes to 10 minutes and an hour. You will be drawing the human form in various poses and levels of detail from highly detailed and anatomically proportional drawings to loose and expressive sketches.

The greatest love story ever told – through ballet. An ancient family feud casts a long shadow over the town of Verona. In this hothouse of tension, brawls are quick to break out and both sides get caught in the crossfire.

Be transported into an ethereal world where a sprinkling of fairy dust makes dreams come true. This enchanting ballet by The Royal Ballet’s Founding Choreographer Frederick Ashton is a theatrical experience for all the family.

Host of hit political podcast The Political Party Matt Forde (Spitting Image, Have I Got News For You, The British Scandal, The Last Leg, The Royal Variety Performance) explores the dark comedy horror that is British politics, ahead of the next election. Plus silly voices.

After her family moves to Pink Mansions, Coraline (voiced by Fanning) quickly becomes bored with the large dusty house, and in particular with her hardworking parents (Hatcher and Hodgman). The fantasy kicks into top gear when she discovers a secret door that leads her into an alternate version of her home. A lush, visually imaginative and freshly entertaining stop-motion adaptation of Neil Gaiman's children's novel.

Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa ( Doctor Who; Sex Education ) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy adopts a similar facade. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate. Max Webster ( Life of Pi ) directs this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance, filmed live from the National Theatre in London.

A fresh biography of Michelangelo, who is considered one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance. This film explores his relationship with his contemporaries and his immense artistic practice that included painting, sculpture and architecture. The documentary coincides with a glorious new exhibition at the National Gallery of London.

Cutting, ripping, tearing, glueing – collage is a fun and creative outlet that is accessible to everyone of all ages and skill levels. Not only is it an environmentally friendly way to make art, but it is also a great way to clear your mind, focus on the present, unwind and have a light lunch in the company of others. Local artist Lucy McBrayne will guide you through the process of creating your own original still life collage using old magazines, books, photographs, fabrics, wrapping paper and greetings cards. Basic materials provided, but feel free to bring your own. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm! For ages 16+. Light lunch provided at our café.

Sirena Hart will build up your confidence and skills during this relaxed session, helping you to create a colourful and vibrant artwork to impress your friends. He/she and they are ready to share the Sirena Hart Fantasy, creating an environment where everyone can express their own artistic flair with confidence, comfort, and authenticity and most importantly the freedom to do so unapologetically. Sirena is an established Artist and Drag Performer in East Anglia who believes drag and portraiture together create a whole new creative experience. Ticket price includes all materials and one drink from the bar. This event is for ages 18+

Colchester Pride features a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities including the Main Stage, featuring local and national acts and our wonderful Market area, with a variety of food, drink, information and sellers, our market area will have something for everyone!

Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge, The Trip) plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove.

 When a rogue U.S General triggers a nuclear attack, a surreal race takes place, seeing the Government and one eccentric scientist scramble to avert global destruction. This explosively funny satire is led by a world-renowned creative team including Emmy Award-winner Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, Veep) and Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley (The Upstart Crow, The Play What I Wrote).

Live-action adaptation of the 1937 Disney animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Enjoy the bonding experience of crafting and snuggling up with a good book in these relaxed, sensory and interactive sessions that explore a new story and art activity each class. Led by artist Lisa Eureka, the storytelling will be inspired by a mixture of original and children’s classic books and will include musical and interactive equipment for the little ones to explore: ribbons, instruments and parachutes. Then we will draw inspiration from the story to create a solo or group art work. We’ll get making with printing, gluing and painting – plenty to keep even the most adventurous toddler busy. Visit the Firstsite Cafe before or after the Mini Movers & Makers Parent and Toddler group!

Cat is a solitary animal, but as his home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences. In the lonesome boat sailing through mystical overflowed landscapes, they navigate the challenges and dangers of adapting to this new world.

Join us for an exciting hands-on workshop where creativity meets sustainability at our EcoArt Collage and Craft workshop! In this unique group experience, we’ll explore the art of collage-making using eco-friendly, repurposed materials. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop is designed to inspire creativity. Your tutor will guide you through the process of selecting and transforming sustainable materials—such as recycled paper, fabric scraps, natural textures, and more—into a beautiful visual masterpiece. By the end of the session, you’ll have your own textile collage to take away. Don’t miss this chance to unleash your creativity, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a positive impact on the environment. No experience required, just bring your creativity and enjoy an evening of crafting and socialising!

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. Join us for an inspiring and dynamic experience where art, culture, and community come together. 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 timeslot. This is an event you won’t want to miss – immerse yourself in creativity and take home something truly special! Visit our page to find out what’s on for each fair! Image caption: Image by Tom Coomber

This compelling documentary takes viewers on a breath-taking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. In the film the legendary broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing. Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas and exposes the never-before-seen realities and challenges facing our ocean, from destructive fishing techniques to mass coral reef bleaching. Ultimately the story is one of optimism, with Attenborough showcasing inspirational stories from around the world to deliver his greatest message: the ocean can recover to a glory beyond anything anyone has ever seen.

Join us for a delightful evening of creativity, relaxation and wine at our Watercolour and Wine Workshop! This event is the perfect blend of artistic expression and indulgence for seasoned artists and complete beginners. In this fun, casual setting, you’ll learn the basics of watercolour painting, guided by our talented instructor Justine Moss, who will help you create beautiful, vibrant works of art. As you paint, sip on a glass of wine, allowing the smooth flavours to inspire your creativity and add to the joy of the evening. This Watercolour and Wine workshop is an opportunity to unwind, explore your artistic side, and leave with a stunning watercolour masterpiece to treasure. No experience necessary – just bring your love for art and wine! All materials will be provided. The workshop is suitable for ages 18+.

This exhibition marks the 50-year anniversary of Acorn Village in Manningtree, a charity dedicated to providing care and support for adults with learning disabilities since 1975, when it welcomed its first 13 residents. Over 50 diverse artworks showcase the creative legacy of Acorn Village, created by artists and residents who have spent the past 20 years developing their skills in the charity’s Day Services and Therapeutic Centre – a unique art learning environment that nurtures creativity and independence. What to expect Go on a journey through the landscapes of Essex, from Harwich to Wrabness, captured in textures and colours across a series of woven textiles crafted over 10 years. Experience paintings inspired by popular culture, abstract nature studies, street scenes, furniture designs, and sculptures influenced by plants and urban forms. Learn more about the Acorn Village community’s evolution through archive materials, from its foundation to the present day. About the exhibition Following on from our series of critically acclaimed exhibitions exploring the artistic community of The East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing at Benton End, this show explores a different art learning environment and its celebration of creativity. At Acorn Village, every individual, whatever their disability, is encouraged to follow their dreams and is supported to be as independent as physically possible. About Acorn Village Acorn Village are a charity based in Manningtree, that offer high quality care and accommodation to adults with learning disabilities, within two models of care, residential and supported living services. Most of their objectives are met through daytime activities which encourage social interaction, learning new life skills, crafting, gardening, education, active leisure and entertainment.

A mysterious portal pulls four misfits into the Overworld, a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they'll have to master the terrain while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected crafter named Steve.

Get making, moving, dancing and munching with Holiday Fun in Colchester this Summer! Our drop-in creative activities for families change daily and are available from 10am-2:30pm. Outdoor sports activities for children are a great way to keep active and have fun. The activities are most suitable for 4–11 years but all ages are welcome. Families can also book into the canteen for a hot, nutritious lunch every day. There is a relaxed dining area available in the canteen – do let us know in advance if you would prefer to be seated here. 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. Image Credit: Photo by Frankie Shaftain-Fenner. Child partaking in Holiday Fun sports and social activity.

Info Colchester Pride takes place on Saturday 16th August 2025. Colchester Pride started in 2017, founded by a small team of dedicated volunteers. Since then, we have grown in size and scale, and are thrilled to have received support and funding from a number of organisations including, but not limited to, The OutHouse, the Lottery Community Fund, UNISON, East of England Co-op, Colchester Borough Homes, Colchester Council, Our Colchester and the Mercury Theatre. Join us for a fantastic day full of celebration, education and entertainment, with a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities. Parade: There will be a march from the Mercury Theatre (CO1 1PT) down Colchester High Street. This will set off at 10:40, so please arrive in good time. Main Stage: Featuring local, national and international acts. Auditorium Stage: Featuring poetry and comedy from a range of local and regional performers. Market area: Featuring a variety of food, drink, information and sellers, our market area will have something for everyone.

Origami is a paper folding art originally from Japan/China. Learning origami not only helps with hand-eye coordination but improves concentration and problem-solving skills. This ancient art form has been used as meditation, stress relievers and a fun social activity with friends. In our Origami Workshop, Lu Yu will guide you step by step through the creation of specific origami shapes, teaching essential techniques such as valley folds, mountain folds, squash folds, and reverse folds. These foundational skills will help you build confidence and precision in your folding. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll have the opportunity experiment with your own designs and experience the joy of transforming a simple sheet of paper into something unique. Origami is a powerful tool for mindfulness and mental well-being. Its calming, repetitive motions help people relax, focus, and cope with stress, making it a valuable activity for your emotional and mental health. Basic materials provided. Food and drink is also available for purchase throughout the session from our cafes. This event is suitable for ages 16+.

PIG changes are coming! Join Peppa Pig and her family at the cinema as they get ready for their biggest adventure yet: welcoming a new baby! There’s no better time to embark on a full house renovation, shop for a new car and make special memories together. Celebrate the beginning of an exciting new era of Peppa Pig at this special, big screen experience with an hour of laughter, tears and loads of heartwarming moments. With 10 oinktastic new episodes, 6 brand new songs and music videos, your little ones can dance and sing along with Peppa and her family and friends. The wait is finally over... join Peppa and George as they meet their new baby sibling for the first time at Peppa Meets the Baby Cinema Experience!

Bring your own items of clothing to our sustainable themed art workshop and learn how to decorate and personalise them using vibrant Posca pens in Customise your Clothes with Posca Pens! In this eco-friendly session, your tutor will guide you through the tips and tricks to transform your old clothes into unique, wearable art. Whether it’s a plain T- shirt, jacket, jeans or shoes, you’ll learn simple, creative ways to add colour, patterns and designs that show off your own unique style. And once you’ve picked up the skills, you can carry on customising clothes at home, turning more of your wardrobe into wearable art. No experience is necessary—just bring your old clothing and your imagination, and we’ll guide you through the process of making your clothes truly one-of-a-kind! Basic art materials provided. You will need to provide your own clothing piece. Food and drink is also available for purchase throughout the session from our cafes. This Customise your Clothes with Posca Pens session is held as part of our Fabulous Fridays!

A monthly meet up for watercolour painters and enthusiasts – open for all levels. Explore the materials, techniques and colour theory to develop your work. Each week a different subject will be provided, or bring a painting you are already working on or a subject you have always wanted to paint. Basic materials provided.

Join Sirena Hart at Firstsite for Boozy Brushes a multi-art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza where you can paint in pairs! Join us in the café/bar area for a lively, fun and creative evening. Unlike Boozy Brushes, where the subject is a different celebrity every month, now the subject is your favourite person! So, who’s your muse? Bring a friend, partner, parent or sibling for a guaranteed night of giggles and fabulous Drag Entertainment. Make memories that last a lifetime and take part in an artistic experience you and your loved ones won’t forget! Sirena Hart is an established Artist and Drag Performer in East Anglia who believes drag and portraiture together create a whole new creative experience. Sirena will guide you through a relaxed portrait tutorial and the rest is in your artistic hands! Ticket price includes all materials and one drink from the bar. This event is for ages 18+.

Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.

Decorate a trinket Dish with Posca Pens in this relaxed, family-friendly workshop into something uniquely yours. Using vibrant Posca pens, you’ll be guided through simple decorating techniques to help you create your own design. Your tutor will be available to support you as you explore ideas and work at your own pace. You’re welcome to draw inspiration from your own style, favourite colours, patterns, characters or animals! Basic art materials, including a ceramic trinket dish to decorate and take home will be provided. Most suitable for 4 – 11 years, but all ages are very welcome. All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian but tickets are not required for the accompanying adults. Adults and guardians who would like to make and decorate their own trinket dish are also welcome to purchase a ticket and join in the activities! Food and drinks are also available for purchase throughout the session from our cafes. Sponsored by: Posca Pens and Uni-ball.

Join Jordan Cook in making quick and playful drawings with charcoal into ambitious and imaginative works of art. In this session you’ll learn how to sharpen your skills in drawing from life and the world around you and explore the various ways you can use charcoal to draw. Your tutor will guide you through both slower, focused drawing and faster sketching exercises, with space to work in your own way. We’ll also focus on building confidence in expressive drawings, as well as working through extended periods of observation, using a variety of still life objects as our subject. Basic materials will be provided. Suitable for ages 16+. All experience levels welcome! Jordan Cook (b.1995) is an artist and art educator who grew up in Harlow, Essex. He is a graduate from The Royal Drawing School whose work draws upon the ever-changing landscapes of urban environments. For Cook, the stripped back nature of charcoal onto paper is the most immediate way of responding to the world around him. The ease with which it can be erased and re-drawn allows him to move with his living subject matter. This Drawing with Charcoal session will be held as part of the Firstsite Art Fair in Aug!

Who are you online? Ever thought about how your online persona reflects who you are? From avatars to filters, usernames to fonts, the internet offers countless ways to express yourself. YAK: Culture of Curiosities curated by our Young Art Kommunity (YAK) showcases how young people are at the forefront of exploring how technology shapes who we are – and how we want to be seen. Featuring a mix of 2D drawings, paintings, wall murals, clay and paper sculptures, collage, print, and digital works, the exhibition brings together personal and collective perspectives on digital identity, online culture, and self-expression. These works have been produced through a series of group workshop sessions. As well as creating and curating ideas collectively, individuals have been encouraged to explore and express their personal views on what digital culture means to them. This exhibition has been supported by the Big Give Arts for Impact, Arts Council England, Essex County Council and Colchester City Council. The artists would like to thank everybody who donated to our Big Give For YAK campaign. About YAK Firstsite’s Young Art Kommunity is a peer-led group of young people aged 15 to 25. They meet to create, collaborate and organise events and activities. In a supportive, informal environment, young artists can gain experience, develop their confidence and learn new skills.

What does it mean to grow up autistic in a digital world? Follow the story of an autistic person ‘growing up online’ – navigating message boards, building a digital avatar and finding new friends. In this digital space, they learn, explore, and discover new ways to connect, access education, and find work outside of social barriers and stigma. Voyager 2000: Worldbeing & Wonder invites you on a sensory, emotional, and digital journey through art, technology, and the world we build online. It is shaped by the conversations and experiences of autistic and disabled people from SEN schools, support groups, video games, and other online spaces. Through video art, animation, sculpture, paintings, drawings, photography, and more, this exhibition explores how art and technology, from TV to Tumblr, video games to dating apps, have shaped lives, identity, intimacy, and imagination. About the exhibition Unlike many stories about technology that focus on risk, harm, or surveillance, this exhibition highlights how art and digital tools can support imagination, connection, education, and new opportunities for employment. For autistic and disabled communities, especially, these tools may open up new ways to communicate, learn, and form relationships outside of social barriers. The exhibition also explores how visual communication, shaped by online experiences, can be used offline to create more inclusive spaces, where connection and understanding come more easily to everyone. Essex and the making of social networks The exhibition’s name comes from Voyager 2000, an early interactive TV system tested in Colchester’s schools that gave people their first taste of on-demand content, learning, and online games. From Essex’s early innovations – like Chelmsford’s pioneering radio and Colchester’s world-first mass multiplayer online game (MUD) – to today’s platforms like OnlyFans, Essex has helped shape the world’s social networks we use now. What to Expect Move through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood as the exhibition takes you through rooms themed around human stories shaped by technology. Discover artworks like green-screen music videos, nostalgic Tumblr influenced photographs, anime-inspired works, Instagram art history meme graphics, tapestries of blog selfies, and sculptures made from LEGO and found materials. See new commissions by artist S from our Holiday Fun programme alongside works by artists selected through an open call.

Experience the quintessential Romantic ballet in Peter Wright’s atmospheric and bewitching production.

Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor’s experimental ballet triptych inspired by the genre-defying works and writings of Virginia Woolf, set to an original score by Max Richter.

Journey into a magical kingdom and watch Peter Wright’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker.

Frederick Ashton’s ballet of pure sunshine.

This highly engaging film takes us on a journey through the life of one of the most prevalent female icons: Frida Kahlo. She was a prolific self-portraitist, using the canvas as a mirror through all stages of her turbulent and, at times, tragic life. Guided with interview, commentary and Frida’s own words, Exhibition on Screen uncovers that this, however, was not a life defined by tragedy. "Seek a deeper understanding of the real Frida Kahlo..." Featuring key exhibitions and interviews with world renowned Kahlo curators, this film explores the extraordinary symbolism and themes in these personal canvases to seek a deeper understanding of the real Frida Kahlo. Using cinema to take an up-close and intimate look at her works we examine how great an artist she can be considered. Displaying a treasure trove of colour and a feast of vibrancy on screen, this personal and intimate film offers privileged access to her works and highlights the source of her feverish creativity, her resilience and her unmatched lust for life, men, women, politics and her cultural heritage. We might think we already know Frida Kahlo – the image of floral crowns, big brows and folk style clothing have made her a muse to generations – but what lies beneath the surface of this intensely passionate woman?

Two of Britain’s greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable were also the greatest of rivals. Born within a year of each other, both used landscape painting to reflect the changing world around them.

When all the ice creams go missing, Lolly the cow and Pinecone the hedgehog team up for a musical road trip to save the Empress of Storyland’s Summer Send-Off! During their adventure, Lolly and Pinecone get to know the Storyland Rangers at Coconut Cove, learn some magical moves at Mermaid Falls and help a stressed-out caterpillar find his voice at the Summer Fruits Festival. Eventually, Lolly and Pinecone track down their main suspect, the rain loving Professor Raindrop – but was he really the one who took the ice creams? Bursting with songs, laughter and all your CBeebies favourites, The Great Ice Cream Hunt is the perfect CBeebies summer treat!

Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one. National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat) directs this sharp, stylish and darkly funny reimagining.

Five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton joins forces with her real-life daughter Bessie Carter for the very first time, playing mother and daughter in Bernard Shaw’s incendiary moral classic. Vivie Warren is a woman ahead of her time. Her mother, however, is a product of that old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs. Warren a fortune – but at what cost? Filmed live from the West End, this new production reunites Staunton with director Dominic Cooke exploring the clash between morality and independence, traditions and progress.

Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman starring in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland. After years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair bond over black coffee, trade stories and build a fragile friendship out of their shared experiences. But as Luka approaches step five – the moment of confession – dangerous truths emerge, threatening the trust on which both of their recoveries depend. Finn den Hertog directs the provocative and entertaining production filmed live from @sohoplace on London’s West End.