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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:
Kirkgate Arts and Heritage delivers opportunities for all to actively enjoy the arts, local heritage and community life; and ensures that creative talent is valued, developed and nurtured in a manner that is financially secure and commands enthusiastic public support.
We will ensure that the organization is sustainable for future generations, both financially and environmentally. We will also provide an environment that encourages growth, the development of skills and confidence, and enjoyment for all.
Strategic Objectives:
The mission will be delivered through the following strategic objectives:
- Kirkgate Arts and Heritage will be the pre-eminent deliverer of a broad range of geographically dispersed arts and community projects across Cumberland.
- Kirkgate Arts and Heritage will offer a long-term solution to ensure that the heritage collection is stored and cared for to a professional standard; and encourages engagement with it by the local community.
- The Kirkgate Centre will sustainably act as the community and cultural centre for Cockermouth.
- Kirkgate Arts and Heritage will successfully deliver a wide-ranging rural touring programme through Arts Out West.
- Kirkgate Arts and Heritage will have strengthened its financial position to ensure that the organisation has a sustainable future.
- Kirkgate Arts and Heritage will support and develop the roles of our volunteers, building on the strong tradition of volunteers being at the heart of the organisation.
WHAT’S ON
Northern Soul – Still Burning (15)
7th August 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
The musical and cultural phenomenon of Northern Soul has kept burning for over six decades. Discarded black soul artists in the US became underground legends across the UK's Northern Soul clubs through rare vinyl records and legendary all-nighters. This epic story of Northern Soul, from its working-class origins to super clubs like Wigan Casino, burns ever stronger with a new ...
Crafts@kirkgate Block Printing
8th August 2026 10:00am (Doors open at 9:30 am)
Kirkgate Centre
Join Emily from Market Place Print Studio to play and experiment with a range of hand carved printing stamps. Animal, plant and shape blocks can be printed to create your own unique designs and repeat patterns. In this family-friendly workshop you will learn how to apply ink to the print blocks, how to make vibrant prints and how different types ...
André Rieu’s 2026 Summer Concert: Viva Maastricht!
8th August 2026 2:00pm (Doors open at 1:30 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
This year, André Rieu celebrates a spectacular milestone — the 20th anniversary of his iconic summer concerts on the magnificent Vrijthof square. Captured live in his beloved hometown, this brand-new cinema event marks two decades of music and unforgettable magical summer nights. Viva Maastricht! is a joyful tribute to the city where it all began. Joined by his worldrenowned Johann ...
The Sunday Session
9th August 2026 2:00pm (Doors open at 1:45 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Are you a musician, looking for a place to test out your tunes? Do you sing/play and would love to meet up with other musicians to have a bit of a jam? Our open mic night has evolved! We're starting a new approach, to cater for all, with our Sunday Sessions. Come down for a listen, or bring an instrument ...