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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
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 ...
Dragonfly (15)
18th February 2026 2:00pm (Doors open at 1:00 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 ...
Special screening- ‘It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley’ (15)
19th February 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Join us on the release of IT'S NEVER OVER: JEFF BUCKLEY A special one off screening on it's week of UK cinema release this film, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Amy Berg (DELIVER US FROM EVIL, JANIS: LITTLE GIRL BLUE, WEST OF MEMPHIS), covers the life of the rising young star with an otherworldly voice and boundary-pushing artistry, who left the ...