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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
Elvis Presley in Concert (12A)
8th May 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Featuring never-before-seen footage and recordings which director Luhrmann found when the 2022 film Elvis. A documentary in which Elvis sings and tells his story like never before in a new cinematic experience from visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. While it is unlikely to tell you much you don’t already know, this is a must-see for Presley fans and a boisterously enjoyable ...
Crafts@Kirkgate Botanical Casting
9th May 2026 10:00am (Doors open at 9:30 am)
Kirkgate Centre
The Introduction to Botanical Casting Workshop is designed to allow participants to learn and practice the skills and techniques used in the craft of plaster casting to create beautiful floral inspired plaster plaques. The Morning To begin with we talk through the relevant health and safety aspects of working with clay and plaster. We also discuss how to select botanical ...
This Flight Tonight
9th May 2026 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
This Flight Tonight – The Songs of Joni Mitchell (’68–’76) A stunning celebration of Joni Mitchell’s most iconic era, delivered through authentic live performance by a five-piece band of exceptional musicianship, with Kathryn Pepper channeling the spirit, range, and emotional depth of Joni’s finestsongs. “Fine singing” — David Crosby (CSN&Y) “Beautiful” — Sir Bob Harris, BBC Radio “Sublime” — Mark ...
The Sunday Session
10th May 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 ...