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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
Rose of Nevada (15)
8th July 2026 2:00pm (Doors open at 1:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Director Mark Jenkin’s follow up to Bait and Enys Men. Three decades ago, the Rose of Nevada vanished at sea, along with its crew. Now, it has returned. In a remote fishing village, its reappearance is embraced as an auspicious sign, with the local citizens convinced the luck of their economically devastated community may turn, if only the ship sails ...
Crafts@Kirkgate Modern Calligraphy
10th July 2026 10:00am (Doors open at 9:30 am)
Kirkgate Centre
Please make sure you book your place in good time! Ticket sales for our crafts@kirkgate events are closed 48 hours before the event, to allow for planning of materials etc. Thank you. Discover the joy of lettering at this modern calligraphy workshop, perfect for absolute beginners. You’ll learn how to use a traditional dippy ink pot and old-fashioned calligraphy nibs ...
Father Mother Sister Brother (15)
10th July 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
A comedy drama feature film carefully constructed in the form of a triptych. The three stories all concern the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other. Each of the three chapters takes place in the present, and each in a different country. “Utterly compelling. It’s a small treasure of a film that muses on ...
Whisky Tasting
11th July 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Led by local whisky enthusiast Stephen Walker, the tasting will consist of five single malt whiskies (25 ml measures) with a cask strength whisky included in the tasting. During the tasting, Stephen will talk about the whisky making process and the whisky industry. A two-course meal will be provided, prepared and cooked by Helen, Stephen’s wife. When booking please let ...