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
Soaked @ Kirkstile Community Centre, Dean
14th November 2025 7:30pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkstile Community Centre
It’s Wine O Clock when do you stop? Imogen and Rich don’t care if the glass is half full or half empty, as long as there’s wine in it that’s what’s important. That’s how they unwind, how they party, how they cope with the stresses of life; young children, high powered careers. But after twenty years of drinking to excess, ...
Wild @ The Globe Hall, Ireby
14th November 2025 7:30pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
The Globe Hall, Ireby
Wild – What does it conjure up for you? Is it a moment standing at the edge of a raging sea or being lifted up and spat out of a whirling tornado; running for your life through city streets or coming face to face with a wolf; the animal within that can’t always be tamed or the wilderness at the ...
Cockfrock Autumn 2025
15th November 2025 10:30am
Kirkgate Centre
The North West's biggest pop-up pre-loved boutique! Cockfrock Autumn 2025 promises to be the best yet!! Got your Christmas party outfit yet? If not then this is the event for you… We've got knockout frocks at a knockdown prices, shoes, handbags, jewellery, whether it's glitz and glamour or more practical outfits you're after- there is always a wide range of ...
Soaked @ Brigham Memorial Hall
15th November 2025 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Brigham Memorial Hall
It’s Wine O Clock when do you stop? Imogen and Rich don’t care if the glass is half full or half empty, as long as there’s wine in it that’s what’s important. That’s how they unwind, how they party, how they cope with the stresses of life; young children, high powered careers. But after twenty years of drinking to excess, ...