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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

Category: Film

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 ...

This Flight Tonight

9th May 2026 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)

Kirkgate Centre

Category: Music

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

Category: Join In

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 All My Sons

10th May 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)

Kirkgate Centre

Category: Event cinema

All My Sons by Arthur Miller directed by Ivo Van Hove design by Jan Versweyveld Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge). One family, the heart of the American dream. When wartime delivers profits ...
Testimonials

I remember fondly our time at the Kirkgate a couple of years ago, the warm and intimate atmosphere and the friendly welcome.

Kiki Dee

 The Kirkgate is my ideal venue. Intimate and warm, staffed by passionate folks who really care about The Arts and about their local community. It has a beating heart, even more so due to the eager enthusiastic volunteers who help run it.

Snake Davis

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Cockermouth and had a great evening at the Kirkgate, the venue and staff were fantastic. We look forward to returning sometime in the future.

Kevin Morris & Dr Feelgood