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 Dec 4th 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
Mixed Media Art with Joe Boyd @ Firstsite
oin us for an evening with Joe Boyd, where we’ll dive into the world of mixed media art.
Mixed media art & design workshop led by artist Joe Boyd (@thisisjoeboyd), during which you will produce an A3 poster using various hands-on techniques such as cut & paste, printing, collage and creating typography with unconventional materials.
This workshop invites participants to gain new insights and a deeper understanding into physical design techniques and become more confident in experimentation. The process will allow you to think outside the box, and add an extra layer of creativity to your practice.
6:30pm- 9pm
Find out more and book your FREE ticket
Traditional Indian Woodblock Printing @Firstsite
Discover the charm of Indian woodblock printing in this creative workshop led by artist and curator Vikas Garg. Using hand-carved wooden blocks, participants will explore simple printing methods to produce their own unique greeting cards. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone interested in cultural craft practices, this workshop offers a warm, welcoming space to learn, make, and connect.
6pm-9pm
Find out more and book your FREE ticket
Rockin’ Around the Lazy Susan @Three Wise Monkeys (Ground Floor)
Join Jake Cheek & Friends for an interactive songwriting showcase like no other. Watch a brand-new song come to life right before your eyes—and even lend a hand in the creative process. The night also features live performances from talented local artists. Come be part of the music!
This event has been produced by Black Cactus Studio.
7:30pm-9:30pm
Find out more and book your FREE ticket
Multilingual Drama Workshop @ Headgate Theatre
Join local artist Mary Pullen Deacon for an evening of multilingual drama fun celebrating our community languages.
Join in games and drama activities based on movement, visuals and spoken work. Seeking inspiration in shared stories, we will explore diverse ways of making theatre combining our mother tongues and our other tongues.
7pm-9pm
Find out more and book your FREE ticket
Christmas Concert with Black Cactus Choir @Popina (Lion Walk Courtyard)
Join us for an evening of fun and festivities in Lion Walk to get you ready for the Christmas season ahead. Our choir has 100 members all from the Colchester area and we love to spread the joy of music and give back to our wonderful community.
7pm-9pm
Find out more and book your FREE ticket
Relaxed Opening at the Castle@ Colchester Castle
This special session is designed for visitors with autism or other sensory sensitivities to enjoy the museum in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. We turn off sounds and visual displays during this time to reduce sensory stimulation.
3pm-5pm
The Thursday Jam @ Coda
Come on down and join a band, sing along, support musicians, make friends and listen to a variety of amazing local talents. House kit, PA and amps provided. Bring yourselves and your instruments and join the good vibes.
8:30pm-12am
FREE ENTRY! No need to pre-book, drop in between the times above
Bread & Butter Vegan Night Market @ The Minories Commons Café
Come along to The Commons for this new vegan market night taking place every first Thursday of the month, featuring local vegan vendors, community connections, drinks and street food.
Entry is through the garden gate opposite Firstsite.
5pm-8pm
FREE ENTRY! No need to pre-book, drop in between the times above
To get yourself in the First Thursdays mood, take a look at our brilliant photo gallery, taken by Jonathan Dadds.
