Kirkgate 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 vision is to ensure that creative talent is valued, developed and supported, with opportunities for all to actively enjoy the arts, local heritage and community life as well as being thoroughly entertained!
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WHAT’S ON
National Theatre Live – The Importance of Being Earnest (U)
11th May 2025 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde directed by Max Webster Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who; Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. While assuming the role of a dutiful guardian in the country, Jack lets loose in town under a false identity.Meanwhile, his friend Algy ...
Heritage Talk: The Birth of Airborne Forces
12th May 2025 6:00pm
Kirkgate Centre
In 1940, Churchill calls for the formation of a 5000 strong airborne force. Over the next five years, the Airborne Forces go from nothing, to two Divisions, with a reputation forged in battle. This talk draws upon the stories, as told by the veterans that fought in some of the most iconic battles of the 2nd World War. It tells ...
Hard Truths (12A)
12th May 2025 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Hard Truths was nominated for Best British Film and Marianne Jean-Baptiste was nominarted for Best Actress at the BAFTAs. Pansy is a woman tormented by anger and depression, hypersensitive to the slightest possible offence and ever ready to fly off the handle. She criticises her husband and their adult son so relentlessly that neither bothers to argue with her. She ...
Hard Truths (12A)
14th May 2025 2:00pm (Doors open at 1:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Hard Truths was nominated for Best British Film and Marianne Jean-Baptiste was nominarted for Best Actress at the BAFTAs. Pansy is a woman tormented by anger and depression, hypersensitive to the slightest possible offence and ever ready to fly off the handle. She criticises her husband and their adult son so relentlessly that neither bothers to argue with her. She ...