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
Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror (15)
24th November 2025 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
We can’t be the only Rocky Horror Picture Show fans out there. This documentary, an insider’s account, follows the strange journey of Rocky Horror over the last five decades. The original film was a complete flop on release until they decided to show it at Midnight and over time it turned into the ultimate cult movie experience whether it’s the ...
Cockermouth Round Table Beer Festival 2025
27th November 2025 6:00pm
Kirkgate Centre
Thursday 27th November 6-11pm £12 including booking fee and free souvenir glass. It’s the opening night of the 2025 Cockermouth Beer Festival. Quizmaster Ian will once again be hosting the Pub Quiz, included with your entry. Come and try over 50 beers and ciders whilst testing out your brain. Friday 28th November 6-11pm £15 including booking fee and free souvenir ...
Cockermouth Round Table Beer Festival 2025
28th November 2025 6:00pm
Kirkgate Centre
Thursday 27th November 6-11pm £12 including booking fee and free souvenir glass. It’s the opening night of the 2025 Cockermouth Beer Festival. Quizmaster Ian will once again be hosting the Pub Quiz, included with your entry. Come and try over 50 beers and ciders whilst testing out your brain. Friday 28th November 6-11pm £15 including booking fee and free souvenir ...
Cockermouth Round Table Beer Festival 2025
29th November 2025 12:00pm
Kirkgate Centre
Thursday 27th November 6-11pm £12 including booking fee and free souvenir glass. It’s the opening night of the 2025 Cockermouth Beer Festival. Quizmaster Ian will once again be hosting the Pub Quiz, included with your entry. Come and try over 50 beers and ciders whilst testing out your brain. Friday 28th November 6-11pm £15 including booking fee and free souvenir ...