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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
Hedera
14th February 2026 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Hedera is a chamber folk project from Bristol featuring Lulu Austin (violin), Maisie Brett (violin, viola), Tamsin Elliott (accordion, harp), Beth Roberts (double bass, violin) and Isis Wolf-Light (clarinets). They perform original and traditional pieces inspired by music from England, Scotland, France, Bali, Georgia, Bulgaria, Ethiopia and beyond, translated through a prism of experimental minimalism and contemporary classical influences. Their ...
The Sunday Session
15th February 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 ...
NTLive The Fifth Step
15th February 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
The Fifth Step by David Ireland directed by Finn den Hertog Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland. After years in the 12-step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous, James becomes a sponsor to newcomer Luka. The pair ...
Dragonfly (15)
16th February 2026 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Dragonfly is the story of two neighbours who strike up an unlikely friendship, not always to the approval of others around them. Seeing the lack of care that her elderly neighbour Elsie is receiving from so called professionals, Colleen takes it upon herself to care for her, finally finding a meaning and purpose in life. Never sure of what her ...