Keep up to date with events and news by joining our mailing list
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
Man on the Run (15)
18th May 2026 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Music documentary. What happens when you wake up the morning after leaving the most important rock band of all time? In April 1970, Paul released his first solo album, McCartney, alongside a shocking press release that announced the beloved band had split. When asked what he'd do next, he said his only plan… was to grow up. Man on the ...
Man on the Run (15)
20th May 2026 2:00pm (Doors open at 1:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Music documentary. What happens when you wake up the morning after leaving the most important rock band of all time? In April 1970, Paul released his first solo album, McCartney, alongside a shocking press release that announced the beloved band had split. When asked what he'd do next, he said his only plan… was to grow up. Man on the ...
Rob Barratt: Brain-tickler and Word-mangler!
21st May 2026 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
An evening of verse, song, word-play and daftness. Rob is a Dudley-born comic poet and singer from North Cornwall, who combines clever word-play with satire, verse, song and audience participation. Dealing with such important topics as second homes, squid, distressed furniture, data-driven education, Neanderthal politics and his relationship with potatoes but beneath the humour serious issues lurk. Recommended 16+. “This ...
The Testament of Ann Lee (15)
22nd May 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
From award-winning writer-director Mona Fastvold (The World to Come, The Brutalist) comes the extraordinary true legend of Ann Lee, founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried stars as the Shaker's irrepressible leader, who preached gender and social equality and was revered by her followers. The Testament of Ann Lee captures the ecstasy and ...