It’s Cockfrock Time Again October 2024

Cockfrock — Cockermouth’s ever-popular fashion shopping extravaganza — is back with another special pre-Christmas event! An annual two-day sale of pre-loved, good-quality ladies fashion usually takes place at the town’s Kirkgate Centre each Spring. However, with Christmas not far away, organisers have once again decided to stage an Autumn event this weekend to allow people to grab a bargain in …

Press Release: Arts Council Capital Funding Project well underway

Work has begun on an ambitious project at the Kirkgate Centre in Cockermouth. With funding awarded through last year’s round of the UK shared prosperity fund, the centre now has a fully refurbished lift, improved lighting and soon (thanks to investment from this year’s round of the same fund) an accessible WC on the first floor. “This marks the completion …

Arts Out West programme brings a touch of comedy, cooking and all that jazz!

Gypsy jazz, spellbinding wintry tales, a celebration of the life of an iconic theatrical star and a tasty blend of cooking and comedy all combine to highlight the Arts Out West programme of village hall activities for the second half of 2024! Kirkgate Arts Out West is the Rural Touring arm of Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Arts and Heritage, now serving a …

Exhibition in celebration of ‘offcomers’ to Cockermouth

A new exhibition featuring the stories of people who’ve settled in the Cockermouth area from around the UK and beyond opens at the town’s Kirkgate Centre next week. ‘Offcomers: Celebrating stories of the many journeys to Cockermouth’ runs from Friday, August 16 until Sunday, September 1 (free entry). Helen Johnston, Kirkgate’s Community Projects Officer, explained: “Our new exhibition features the …

Double grant boost for Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Centre

Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Centre has received over £43,000 funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The centre’s management has just been given confirmation that two separate grants have been awarded to help fund two discrete projects that it wishes to deliver. Capital funding totalling £26,739 has been allocated from the Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund towards …

Press Release: Discovering the history and heritage of Cockermouth and its people

Participants wanted to help celebrate Cumbria’s diverse heritage An ambitious 18-month project that aims to share and celebrate West Cumbria’s diverse culture and heritage is looking to hear from more local people as it enters its final phase. Organised by Kirkgate Arts and Heritage based in Cockermouth, In My Shoes kicked off in April 2023 and runs until this September. …

Press Release: Athletics Club building demolition plan approved

Athletics Club building demolition plan approved Plans to demolish a former athletics club base adjacent to Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Centre have been approved by Cumberland Council. Demolition is due to commence on Monday, July 1 and will signal the latest stage in ambitious plans to develop a new home for a heritage collection showcasing Cockermouth’s history. Kirkgate Arts and Heritage Group …