First Thursdays Festival

First Thursdays celebrates the city’s vibrant cultural scene; its artists, arts organisations, venues, businesses and community groups. The majority of events are free, enabling affordable access to quality cultural experiences by a diverse range of people. Members of the public can hop from event to event at different venues, so it’s possible to enjoy several different experiences in one evening.

Learn a fresh approach to crafting plays, with a unique playwriting experience in collaboration with professional actors. Explore the art of mindful mending, working with a talented Textile Artist. Create geometric, abstract drawings as you play a game of table football, through the power of The Table Football Drawing Machine. Embark on an immersive, interactive theatre adventure with tarot cards. These events are in addition to the City’s regular live music gigs at Colchester Arts Centre, jam sessions at CODA, Socials at Colchester Makerspace, and new Open Mic nights at Curzon Colchester.