MORE than 2,000 people attended the preview party of Firstsite’s Open Exhibition.

Visitors to Friday evening's event were given the opportunity to preview more than 730 works submitted by artists from across the east of England.

Party goers were treated to performances from musicians Band of Fools, performance artist Gina La Casetta and Colchester's MP Will Quince , who wowed the crowds with his rendition of Nessun Dorma, performed as a duet with drag queen La Gateaux Chocolate.

The Gazette’s arts editor Neil Darcy-Jones was the resident DJ for the evening.

Speeches were given by interim director Anthony Roberts, Firstsite’s Young Artist Kommunity (YAK) representative Claire Brammer and Firstsite’s new chairman Noorzaman Rashid.

Mr Roberts said: “We were overwhelmed with the number of people who came along. Queues literally round the block.

"There are some absolutely fantastic works on the walls. I'm so proud and delighted to be part of this. Huge thanks to all the artists who submitted work.”

One of the works submitted to the open exhibition is a pencil drawing of Mr Roberts.

The work, by a mystery artist, is offered for sale at £10,000.

Firstsite will donate the money raised by the sale to St Helena Hospice if a benefactor can be found.

The exhibition runs until November 22 and many of the works are for sale, will prices available on request.