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About Us
The Kirkgate Centre is an entertainment and cultural venue at the heart of the lively community of Cockermouth, Cumbria.
We celebrate our local talent and heritage, and bring top quality professional entertainment to
our town and many other communities across the area to the west of the Lake District National Park.
Whether you enjoy films on a big screen, live music, theatre, exhibitions, shows for children and families or community events, Kirkgate has something for everyone. Our quirky character makes us a special venue for weddings, parties, festivals and conferences.
Our mission:
“Creative talent is valued, developed, and supported with opportunities for all to actively engage with and enjoy the arts, our local heritage and community life”
Our values:
Commitment – Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to delivering our mission.
Inclusion – We aim to make art, heritage, and culture accessible to all our communities.
Sustainability – We aim to ensure that the organisation is secure for future generations from both financial and environmental perspective.
Nurturing – We aim to provide an environment that encourages growth, development of skills confidence and enjoyment for all.
WHAT’S ON
Heritage Walk: Medieval Cockermouth with Helen Johnston
6th July 2026 6:00pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Join us for a guided walk exploring Medieval Cockermouth. Although many buildings have been lost over the years, you might be surprised how much still remains! Helen Johnston is the Community Projects Officer at Kirkgate Arts and Heritage and an archaeologist who’s worked on sites on all periods across England. The walk will last about 1.5 hours, and will be ...
Rose of Nevada (15)
6th July 2026 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:30 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Director Mark Jenkin’s follow up to Bait and Enys Men. Three decades ago, the Rose of Nevada vanished at sea, along with its crew. Now, it has returned. In a remote fishing village, its reappearance is embraced as an auspicious sign, with the local citizens convinced the luck of their economically devastated community may turn, if only the ship sails ...
Rose of Nevada (15)
8th July 2026 2:00pm (Doors open at 1:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Director Mark Jenkin’s follow up to Bait and Enys Men. Three decades ago, the Rose of Nevada vanished at sea, along with its crew. Now, it has returned. In a remote fishing village, its reappearance is embraced as an auspicious sign, with the local citizens convinced the luck of their economically devastated community may turn, if only the ship sails ...
Crafts@Kirkgate Modern Calligraphy
10th July 2026 10:00am (Doors open at 9:30 am)
Kirkgate Centre
Please make sure you book your place in good time! Ticket sales for our crafts@kirkgate events are closed 48 hours before the event, to allow for planning of materials etc. Thank you. Discover the joy of lettering at this modern calligraphy workshop, perfect for absolute beginners. You’ll learn how to use a traditional dippy ink pot and old-fashioned calligraphy nibs ...