Our Freedom: Then and Now
Kirkgate Arts and Heritage are a part of the Our Freedom: Then and Now project. Sixty arts centres and libraries across Britain are taking part in nationwide celebrations reflecting on what freedom means 80 years after the end of the Second World War.
We are working with two local artists, storyteller Jessie McMeekin and musician JP Worsfold, to create a community musical that will be performed by local people at Cockermouth’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Sunday, 23rd November, and at The Kirkgate Centre on 14th December.
The musical is inspired by stories from Cockermouth at the end of the Second World War and in the post-war period, using research from the Cockermouth Heritage Collection, alongside reflections from the people living in the town today on what freedom means to them.
Find out more about the project and how you can get involved.
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
GreenMatthews’ Midwinter Revels
7th December 2025 3:30pm (Doors open at 2:30 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Following on from A Christmas Carol: In Concert and A Brief History of Christmas, GreenMatthews present their new festive show. Spanning several centuries, GreenMatthews’ Midwinter Revels is a celebration of Yuletide Past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart. Featuring Christmas carols, winter folk songs, toe-tapping tunes and a plethora of weird and wonderful instruments, the show ...
Wild Zucchinis World Food Night!
7th December 2025 7:00pm
Kirkgate Centre
Join Manon and the Wild Zucchinis team for another stop on the World Tour of food! This month we are celebrating Christmas from around the world, with three courses to tantalise your taste buds! More info coming soon…
Donnelly & South’s Christmas Cracker @ Maryport Settlement
7th December 2025 7:30pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
The Settlement Maryport
The most fun you can have without shinning down someone’s chimney! Christmas show with some crazy bits, a sackful of their singalong, wintry-wonderful songs. The best Christmas-Duo-Show this side of Morecambe & Bublé! A stocking-load of Keith’s hilarious seasonal anecdotes and jokes. The gift of a couple of scary solstice ghost stories. Pour on lashings of Lauren’s, silky-smooth, brandy-butter vocals. ...
Better Days (15)
8th December 2025 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
A group of women bond in rehab and try to change their lives for the better. A powerful French comedy-drama that tackles profound themes and tells the stories of people with alcohol problems. The film combines elements of comedy and drama, and explores themes of addiction, friendship, and new beginnings. Better Days is a film of two halves, one grounded ...