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2025 is our 30th anniversary!

Celebrate with us throughout the year with our 30th anniversary events…

Picnic at the Castle – Sunday 1st June

With thanks to Lord and Lady Egremont, who we are excited to enjoy the company of, we will be enjoying the surroundings of Cockermouth Castle for a variety of live entertainment, an afternoon tea picnic (from the High Tea Guy) and a glass of prosecco!
Entertainment includes…
Close up magic from The Great Baldini!
Live music!
A literary inspired tour from Jessie McMeekin – including personal favourites from Lord and Lady Egremont.
You can also book to take part in a castle tour, guided by knowledgeable members of the Civic Trust (who were instrumental in saving what is now the Kirkgate Centre from demolition back in the mid 90s).

30th Anniversary Summer Film Festival – from July 19th

We’re showing 30 films to celebrate our 30 years, one film from each year since the Kirkgate Centre opened. Each title will have a local connection, see if you can work them all out once the films are announced!
We will be releasing the films for bookings soon, but in the meantime you can purchase a film pass, which will give you the option of booking to see every one of the 30 films for just £30.

Anniversary Party! – Saturday 11th October

Join us at The Kirkgate for a New Orleans speakeasy style celebration with the 1920s swing jazz band Alligator Gumbo, there’ll be food with a Cajun twist and you’ll have a final chance to buy your 30th birthday raffle tickets.
This a chance to celebrate 30 years of The Kirkgate in style, so put on your fanciest frocks, invite all your friends and get ready to groove the night away.

30th Anniversary Raffle – to be drawn mid October

With  30 prizes for our 30 years including a private film screening with dinner for two from Wild Zucchinis, a house concert from At The Drop of Another Hippopotamus, bespoke glass art, a voucher for The Kirkstile + a case of beer and many more! Raffle entry is £5 either online or through our box office.

ENTER THE RAFFLE HERE

 

We have an exciting new opportunity at Kirkgate Arts & Heritage click here to find out more about a new voluntary role working alongside our executive team.

Kirkgate Arts and Heritage Cockermouth Venue for Theatre Films Music 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

Cockfrock Spring 2025 Sellers Registration

16th May 2025 3:30pm

Kirkgate Centre

Category: Special Event

Yes! It's back! The fashion event we all love! For SPRING 2025 we're bringing on the glitz and glamour for Prom season, if you have a pre-loved prom dress hanging up at home, register to sell and let us help you find that frock a new home. We're looking for good quality ladies fashions and accessories… If you would like ...

Cockfrock Spring 2025

17th May 2025 10:30am

Kirkgate Centre

Category: Special Event

Cockermouth's legendary shopping experience is back! We're gearing up for prom season at this year's spring sale so if you have a glamorous gown languishing in a wardrobe why not register to sell and find it a loving new home! Looking for a knockout frock at a knockdown price? This is the sale for you! Did you know… Fashion production ...

Cockfrock Spring 2025

18th May 2025 10:00am

Kirkgate Centre

Category: Special Event

Cockermouth's legendary shopping experience is back! We're gearing up for prom season at this year's spring sale so if you have a glamorous gown languishing in a wardrobe why not register to sell and find it a loving new home! Looking for a knockout frock at a knockdown price? This is the sale for you! Did you know… Fashion production ...

Mr Burton (12A)

19th May 2025 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)

Kirkgate Centre

Category: Film

MR BURTON is a Feature Drama charting the relationship between a Port Talbot school teacher and a wild young school boy called Richie Jenkins, who was the son of a boozy miner. Richie dreamed of becoming an actor and Philip recognized his raw talent, tutored him and became his adoptive father. This film is the story of how Richie Jenkins ...
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