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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:
“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
Midwinter Break (12A)
10th June 2026 2:00pm (Doors open at 1:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
An adaptation of Bernard MacLaverty’s 2017 novel. Midwinter Break is a stirring meditation on faith, commitment, and the enduring power of love, as a longtime couple takes a life-changing trip to Amsterdam. It’s the kind of quietly magnificent film that asks you to sit with it patiently, absorbing the myriad of emotions expressed by its wonderful leads.(Travis Hopson – Punch ...
California Schemin’ (15)
12th June 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Truth is stranger than fiction in actor James McAvoy's directorial debut. Inspired by the real-life saga of Scottish rap duo Silibil N' Brains, a.k.a. Gavin Bain (Séamus McLean Ross) and Billy Boyd (Samuel Bottomley), the film follows the unexpected journey of two lifelong friends from Dundee who dream of hip-hop super-stardom. There's just one problem: nobody takes two white guys ...
Albi and The Wolves
13th June 2026 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Albi & The Wolves: "They are folk Jim, but not always as we know it.” Graham Reid. This elegant summary highlights what makes the indie-folk quartet different, by combining contemporary songwriting and the bands varied backgrounds they make something unique, but not unfamiliar. Chris Dent (Acoustic guitar, lead vocals), Pascal Roggen (BV’s, electric violin), Micheal Young (BV’s, double bass), and ...
The Sunday Session
14th June 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 ...