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
Old Baby Mackerel
21st March 2026 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Old Baby Mackerel are one of the UK's largest and best-known Bluegrass bands, recently featured on the front of the British Bluegrass News with a 5 page article. They play high-energy, foot-stomping Bluegrass featuring a fantastic line-up of renowned UK Bluegrass musicians. Over the last few years, they have sold out UK tours and venues, headlined multiple international Bluegrass festivals, ...
Poets Out Loud
22nd March 2026 4:00pm
Kirkgate Centre
Booking not required Poets Out Loud For writers, readers and listeners from Cumbria and beyond. All are welcome to a most informal poetry session at the Kirkgate Centre. It IS for listeners, not just writers. Lovers of poetry and the spoken word who would like to just sit and enjoy the words are most welcome It ISN’T an open mic ...
Jazz@Kirkgate: 4in1
22nd March 2026 7:30pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Saxophone – Will Howard Piano – Jamil Sheriff Double Bass – Sam Quintana Drums – Steve Hanley 4in1 play music from the African American tradition, paying tribute to artists such as Thelonious Monk, Benny Golson, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Led by Jamil Sheriff who was described in The Times as ‘an excellent northern pianist who brings together a range ...
“The Lakeland Mysteries”
23rd March 2026 4:00pm (Doors open at 3:30 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
“The Lakeland Mysteries” – Audio Theatre presentation of the children’s action-adventure books set in Cockermouth. Author Warren Cabral will host a live audio play back of The Fire on Slate Fell, narrated by award-winning voice artist Ian Russell. Afterwards, Questions & Answers with tea, coffee and light refreshments. Entry to this event is free of charge, but do please book ...