A rare opportunity to enjoy a visit to Cockermouth Castle is one of the highlights of the 30th anniversary celebrations for the town’s Kirkgate Centre.
The castle’s owners, Lord and Lady Egremont, have kindly agreed to allow the stronghold, parts of which date from the 12th Century, to host a 30th Birthday Picnic on Sunday, June 1st.
Members of the public will be able to book for either a morning (11am) or afternoon (3pm) picnic session, with guided tours of the castle provided throughout (specific time slots available).
Tickets cost £30 and both morning and afternoon slots will include music, magic, prose, poetry, tours of the castle, a picnic provided by the High Tea Guy and a glass of prosecco!
Kirkgate Chief Executive Emma Heys said: “We’re thrilled to be able to stage our 30th Birthday Picnic at Cockermouth Castle and we’re extremely grateful to Lord and Lady Egremont for their very kind gesture.
“We’re delighted that they’ll be joining us on the day and that they’ve injected some of their own personal favourites into a literary-inspired tour of the castle that will be led by Cumbria-based storyteller Jessie McMeekin.
“The Great Baldini will also be present to showcase some close-up magic and there’ll also be live music.
“You can book online 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).”
Children under the age of seven and dogs are not allowed on the tour due to rough terrain and the high number of steps involved. In the event of bad weather, organisers say they will make every effort to go ahead as planned. However, alternative arrangements have been planned if the event is unable to go ahead outside.
Emma added: “Tours of the castle always prove very popular when they become available so I’d encourage anyone interested to book their tickets as soon as possible.” Tickets are available online at 30th Anniversary Event: Picnic at the Castle – Kirkgate Arts and Heritage for the 11am session or 30th Anniversary Event: Picnic at the Castle – Kirkgate Arts and Heritage for the 3pm session.
Other activities organised to celebrate the Kirkgate’s 30th anniversary include:
· A 30th Anniversary Film Festival celebrating Cumbrian talent to run over three weeks in the summer. Films have been selected because of their local connections – Cumbrian stars, Cumbrian authors or writers, Cumbrian directors, Cumbrian locations, etc. Films will also feature from each year of the Kirkgate’s life. It runs from July 19 to August 17 and tickets will cost £30 for the full festival or £6.50 per individual screening.
· A 30th Anniversary Birthday Party on Saturday, October 11. This will include music from New Orleans style jazz band Alligator Gumbo served up with Cajun Creole food (£30 per person).
In addition, a 30th Anniversary Exhibition will run for 10 days in October showcasing the building’s history, both before and after its conversion into the arts and heritage facility of today, and a raffle has been launched (drawn in October) with 30 substantial prizes on offer, including pieces of art, restaurant vouchers and a private musical concert! Details on all Kirkgate Centre activities can be found here: Events Archive – Kirkgate Arts and Heritage
Alternatively, the box office can be contacted on 01900 829966.