COLCHESTER’S Firstsite gallery is organising a relaunch party next month – with an open invitation to anyone who wants to go along.

The gallery’s new director, Anthony Roberts has promised exclusive private viewings and other such events are now a thing of the past at Firstsite, and the celebration of its new, public-friendly regime will be no different.

The party, on Friday, June 12, will feature live music in the garden, rooftop singing, fire eating and dancing.

Mr Roberts, who was brought in to run the troubled gallery last month, said: “What we’re planning is good, old-fashioned knees-up.

“I’ve never been a fan of the private view. After all, there’s only so many vol au vents a man can take. Everyone can join the party.”

To let everyone know where the party is, a bus which has been sprayed gold will be parked at the gallery entrance.

The gallery is asking people say online if they’re likely to come along, but says this is simply get an idea of numbers, and people can just turn up on the night for the event, which will run from 6.30pm until midnight.