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
Palestine 36 (12A)
23rd January 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Palestine, 1936. The uprising that took on an Empire. As villages across Mandatory Palestine rise against British colonial rule, Yusuf drifts between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, longing for a future beyond the growing unrest. But history is relentless. With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe, and the Palestinian population uniting in the ...
Monthly Market Seller Registration
24th January 2026 9:00am
Kirkgate Centre
For £10 you have access to one of ten tables for the morning of our monthly indoor market, where you can sell your unwanted items, home produced crafts, books, music, almost anything! We will send you a link to our seller guidelines when you book, but please click the link to check that your items are suitable before booking a ...
Kirkgate Monthly Market
24th January 2026 10:00am
Kirkgate Centre
We're opening our downstairs space for a monthly sale! Whether it'soriginal creations from local makers and crafters,unwanted household items, CD's, books, DVD's, toys and games you're sure to find some treasure among our sellers offerings. If you would like to rent a space to sell your items please clickhere. Come in from 10am – 1pm on the 4th or last ...
Poets Out Loud
25th January 2026 4:00pm
Kirkgate Centre
Booking not required Poets Out Loud For writers, readers and listeners from Cumbria and beyond. All are welcome to a most informal poetry session at the Kirkgate Centre. It IS for listeners, not just writers. Lovers of poetry and the spoken word who would like to just sit and enjoy the words are most welcome It ISN’T an open mic ...