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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
The Zimmer of Love @ Burgh by Sands Parish Hall – Arts Out West
10th October 2026 7:30pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Burgh by Sands Public Hall
Mervis a firm favourite around the villages of England. His relaxed, easy style means audiences love him. He chats a bit, tells a few jokes, makes some pithy observations with lots of clever comedy songs on guitar. His sometimes wicked but always affectionate sense of humour brings warmth and joy to audiences who are happy to laugh both at his ...
An Evening of James Taylor
10th October 2026 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
James Taylor is the encapsulation of the best of American songwriting. His music has touched millions worldwide over his ongoing 55 year strong career and his music still stands up to the test of time. ‘How Sweet It Is’ focuses more on Taylor’s early songwriting career, featuring much loved songs, such as ‘Sweet Baby James’, ‘Something In The Way She ...
The Sunday Session
11th October 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 ...
J P Worsfold & Rhona Mcfarlane
11th October 2026 7:30pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
J P Worsfold is a writer of emotional, contemplative, contemporary folk songs that speak of connection, joy and belonging, with a subtle blend of rich vocal harmony, sweeping string arrangements alongside heartfelt keys and guitar. They are songs to evoke life’s deeper meaning and to inspire connection within ourselves and the natural space around us. He has self-released three albums ...