First Thursdays Festival
Creativity around every corner...
First Thursdays is a monthly festival with events throughout Colchester city centre! The festival celebrates the city’s vibrant and diverse cultural scene, seeing venues thrown open for the community, with fantastic performances, workshops and interactive experiences. Many creatives featured responded to our Creative Commissions Fund where we seek exciting performance, workshop and installations from Colchester and Tendring creatives.
Our next festival is April 3rd 2025. The full programme can be found below.
You can reserve your place at one of our events by booking your ticket in advance (most of which are FREE). Or, if there is capacity you can just turn up and enjoy.
What’s On This Month
Daisy Diamond does Burlesque @ Headgate Theatre
Unleash Your Inner Diva: A Body Confidence Burlesque Class
Instagram: @daisydiamonds_burlesque
(This event is NOT free, please send a direct message on instagram to register and sign up for classes)\
Boudicca Belles Choir Session @ Serenity Brides
Come join Singing with Meggie’s (Megan Juniper) for an evening of singing as part of a female identifying choir Boudicca Belles. Let’s celebrate International Women’s Day in style by singing a couple of songs that are sure to lift your spirits and raise your voice.
Tickets from £5
Makerspace Socials @ Colchester Makerspace
Thinking of becoming a member and want to know more? Already a member and want to catch up with the others? Makerspace Socials are free, include a short introduction, an opportunity to meet our members and associate artists and hear a short show-and-tell from our Maker of the Month.
Find out more and book your FREE ticket
Fixated on Funny @ Curzon
Living with autism is a funny thing, so join us for a night of stand-up comedy from neurodivergent comedians in honour of autism awareness day!
Find out more and book your FREE ticket
The Thursday Jam @ CODA
Play an instrument? Fancy channelling your inner rockstar? Turn up and join other musicians in Colchester’s Jam Night!
FREE entry, just turn up on the night
ENCORE: A Musical Theatre Concert @ Firstsite
Come and listen to a wonderful variety of musical theatre songs, from award winning west end shows, to smaller niche musicals. We’ve got something for every musical theatre lover. It will certainly be a night to remember!
Find out more and book your FREE ticket
DIY Sensory Accessories @ Signals Media
Join artist Clare Sams to make your own unique sensory items. Zipper bracelets, shoelace fidgets, beaded keychains, and ribbon bag charms. The only limit is your imagination!
Find out more and book your FREE ticket
Classic Horror Nights! The Curse Of Frankenstein (1957) @ Colchester Arts Centre
Monthly nights of retro horror screenings from the mainly Brit school of Hammer, Amicus etc. Presented by Classic Horror buff and local musician Jason Frederick. Popcorn, a monthly themed cocktail, plenty of dry ice and often very daft over-blown intros.
Tickets from £6
Josh Widdicombe: Work-in-Progress @ Mercury Theatre
Join comedianJosh Widdicombe as he warms up ahead of his brand-new nationwide tour later this year.
Tickets from £17
To get yourself in the First Thursdays mood, take a look at our brilliant May photo gallery, taken by Jonathan Dadds.
