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
Better Days (15)
10th December 2025 2:00pm (Doors open at 1:00 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 ...
Downton Abbey – The Grand Finale (PG)
12th December 2025 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
The third and final film concerning Downton Abbey following the much loved TV series. “this silly, enjoyable nonsense should go on for ever” Peter Bradshaw – The Guardian “Cheesier than a wheel of Stilton and about as edgy, Downton Abbey bows out with a cosy but loveable final instalment that will leave few dry eyes among long-time fans of Julian ...
John Cleese Packs It In (12A)
13th December 2025 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
1 85-year-old Man, 5 Countries, 16 Cities, 23 shows, 6 weeks. Will he make it home … or is this the end of the road? One of the most recognisable figures in British comedy, John Cleese’s career spans six decades – from his early days with the Cambridge Footlights to co-founding Monty Python, co-creating Fawlty Towers, and writing and starring ...
The Sunday Session
14th December 2025 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 ...