Firstsite Colchester

09/10/2026

Join us tomorrow for the opening of Polly Braden: Against the Tide from 2pm-4pm!

Be the first to see this beautiful large-scale photography exhibition, plus enjoy live music from local alternative rock band Bloom (.officialband), alongside opportunities to get creative with rock painting, led by artist and Firstsite Young Art Kommunity () member Millicent Glasgow (), and postcard making!

We’ll be joined by photographer Polly Braden () and journalist Lisa Bachelor who collaborated on the exhibition, alongside some of the young people and partners involved in the project.

Everyone is welcome - we’d love to see you there!

07/10/2026

This Saturday, join Simon Carter himself for a special exhibition tour of our new exhibition, From the Landscape – spaces are limited for this one-off tour we'll be hosting with Simon 🚨it's not one to miss!

🗓️ Sat 10 Oct, 11am-12pm
🎟️ £5, book via the link in our bio 👆🔗

07/10/2026

Drake Music Hackathon - Sat 17th October!

Join us at Firstsite Colchester later this month for an all-day session where you can explore and create prototypes of accessible musical instruments.

Whether you have an idea you want to explore, or just come and play with some of our technology - everyone is welcome whether you are a complete beginner or super experienced in music or tech.

🗓️ Saturday 17th October
⏰ 11am - 4pm
📍Firstsite Colchester

Tickets are free, but booking is essential. Link in the bio to get yours today!

06/10/2026

We’ve got a lovely mix of workshops to help you slow down, try something new and enjoy some time making this October 🍂
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From our beginner-friendly Trust the Process sessions, where you'll be guided through observational drawing, to our relaxing Origami Workshop - there’s something for everyone at Firstsite!

Explore these events and more in our Autumn/Winter programme! (Link in bio 👆🔗)

05/10/2026

Here’s a look at what’s on at Firstsite Cinema this week 🎨🍿

Explore the creativity and cultural heritage of Ireland with Celtic Utopia and Guggi, two films offering fascinating glimpses into Irish music, art and identity. From Ireland’s rich folk traditions to Guggi’s journey from Dublin’s post-punk scene to the contemporary art world, both films celebrate the country’s distinctive creative spirit.

Closer to home, Once Upon a Time in Suffolk brings together stories created by hundreds of local East Anglian cast and crew members. The screening is followed by a special live Q&A, offering the chance to hear more about this locally made project.

For younger audiences, The Pout-Pout Fish brings a colourful underwater adventure to the big screen, perfect for a fun family cinema trip 🐟🌊

We also continue to offer accessible screenings, creating a relaxed and welcoming cinema experience for everyone.

To view all films and book tickets, visit our website via the link below 🎟️
https://vist.ly/5m4d2

04/10/2026

Follow Simon Carter on his five-year journey through the coastal landscape of northeast Essex 🌊

Discover over 30 acrylic paintings and drawings made since 2020, an early watercolour Simon painted when he was 23, and three new series created especially for Firstsite.

Existing and brand new works are placed over newly painted surfaces that respond to Firstsite’s architecture, light and atmosphere, layering paint, process and memory.

Simon Carter: From the Landscape runs until Sun 17 Jan 2027 👀

03/10/2026

15 years of Firstsite 🥳

With the return to routines and the chance for new beginnings, our annual Members’ and Partners’ event has become a lovely September tradition - a chance to look back at what we’ve achieved together and share what’s next.

This year felt especially meaningful as we marked 15 years of Firstsite - celebrating everyone who has been part of our story. Your support means that we can continue making art matter - creating space for connection, creativity and giving us the confidence to keep looking ahead!

A big thank you to our Members and Partners for being part of our story 💗

Photography by Jayne Lloyd.

02/10/2026

Last chance to see Arpita Shah: Nalini at Firstsite! 📷

Developed across India, East Africa and the UK, discover a photographic series that explores the connected histories of Arpita Shah, her mother, and grandmother.
🗓️ Exhibition runs until Sun 4 Oct!

01/10/2026

We’re excited to be opening Against the Tide at Firstsite on Sat 10 Oct 2026 🌊

A powerful exhibition exploring life, opportunity and belonging in coastal communities across England, sharing the voices and experiences of young people aged 16-25.

With special thanks to Attwells Solicitors for their generous contribution towards this exhibition and for supporting our commitment to making art accessible to everyone.

We can’t wait to welcome you 💙

🌊 Against the Tide: exploring life in coastal communities

We’re proud to support Firstsite as a Corporate Sponsor and to see Against the Tide by Polly Braden featured as part of Firstsite’s exhibition programme in Colchester.

Through photography, film and personal storytelling, the exhibition explores what it means to grow up in coastal communities across England, sharing the experiences of young people aged 16–25 and highlighting how place, opportunity and inequality can shape lives and a sense of belonging.

With our head office in Ipswich, just a short distance from Felixstowe, home to the UK’s largest container port and a much-loved coastal town — we have a strong connection to the communities explored through this exhibition.

We’re proud to support Firstsite and its commitment to making art accessible to everyone, while giving young people space to be seen, heard and understood.

To find out more about Attwells Solicitors, visit: https://attwells.com