Lovers of Cumbria’s arts and heritage scene are being invited to buy into a little bit of local history if they ‘pay for a pane’ at Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Centre!
The centre, based in what was a Victorian-era school in the heart of town, needs to launch an urgent fundraising effort to replace 40 windows to the side and rear of the building.
A substantial part of the window replacement fund has been secured thanks to a kind donation from the Benny Walker Charitable Trust, which has previously supported improvements to the building.
However, around £6,000 still needs to be found to carry out a further major refurbishment – and members of the general public could hold the key in a special promotion being launched shortly on August 1st 2026..
People are being asked to sponsor one or more of the 40 individual window panes to help the centre reach its £36,000 target.
Sponsorship options range from £50 minimum for each of 10 smaller windows, to £100 minimum for each of 10 larger windows to the side of the building, up to £150 minimum for each of the 20 large and more prominent windows at its rear gable end.
Anyone pledging to sponsor a smaller window at £50 will receive one free ticket to a cinema screening of their choice at the centre, which hosts screenings three times per week.
Those sponsoring a side window for £100 will receive two free cinema tickets and anyone sponsoring a large rear window (£150) will receive four free tickets as a ‘thank you’.
Sponsors will also be recognised on a commemorative wall mounting to be erected in the centre on completion of the work (if they wish) and could also receive a name check on the cinema screen before the start of each film for a three-month period.
Kirkgate Chief Executive Emma Heys said: “Once again, we have cause to be extremely grateful to the Benny Walker Charitable Trust for its invaluable support to the Kirkgate.
“We know we also have a loyal group of customers and supporters and we think many will be delighted at this unique opportunity to help in the centre’s refurbishment.
“The Kirkgate is a much-loved institution in Cockermouth and throughout West Cumbria but the fabric of the building reflects its considerable age. We’ve done much work in recent years to give it a modern facelift, including 21st Century facilities and equipment, but some work still remains.
“We’d therefore obviously be delighted if any individual, company or organisation would like to contribute to the improvements fund over and above the sponsorship options outlined!”
The Benny Walker Charitable Trust makes substantial, transformational grants to organisations working in music education, civil engineering education, heritage conservation, and youth development in Cumbria.
Details of how to sponsor a pane can be found on the Kirkgate website at www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk – please select ‘donate’ and then choose ‘products’. Information on all Kirkgate events can be found at ‘What’s on’ or by ringing the admin office on 01900 829966.
ENDS ….
NOTES TO EDITORS
Kirkgate is a charity based in Cockermouth, Cumbria. It operates an arts and heritage centre as well as working with towns and villages in West Cumbria to encourage a diverse programme of arts, culture and entertainment. Its vision is to ensure that creative talent is valued, developed and supported with opportunities for all to engage actively with, and enjoy, the arts, local heritage and community life.
The Kirkgate Centre brings the best cultural, theatrical and entertainment events to Cumbria. From the best feature and documentary films to live streaming of top London shows, to local talent, heritage exhibitions, music, theatre, comedy and more, there is something for everyone.
In the historic Kirkgate Quarter of the Gem Town of Cockermouth, sitting on the edge of the Lake District National Park, the Kirkgate Centre is the perfect venue for special occasions, conferences, meetings, courses, exhibitions or private film screenings.
Kirkgate manages Arts Out West which stages performances in community venues from Furness to the Solway, ranging from nationally-recognised theatre companies to international musicians with events that are as much a social occasion as a performance. It is a member of the National Rural Touring Forum supported by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.
Follow @kirkgatearts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
For more information:
Emma Heys 01900 829966 enquiries@thekirkgate.com www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk
The Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, CA13 9PJ