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Kirkgate Arts and Heritage Cockermouth Venue Theatre Films Music 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

Midwinter Break (12A)

10th June 2026 2:00pm (Doors open at 1:00 pm)

Kirkgate Centre

Category: Film

An adaptation of Bernard MacLaverty’s 2017 novel. Midwinter Break is a stirring meditation on faith, commitment, and the enduring power of love, as a longtime couple takes a life-changing trip to Amsterdam. It’s the kind of quietly magnificent film that asks you to sit with it patiently, absorbing the myriad of emotions expressed by its wonderful leads.(Travis Hopson – Punch ...

California Schemin’ (15)

12th June 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)

Kirkgate Centre

Category: Film

Truth is stranger than fiction in actor James McAvoy's directorial debut. Inspired by the real-life saga of Scottish rap duo Silibil N' Brains, a.k.a. Gavin Bain (Séamus McLean Ross) and Billy Boyd (Samuel Bottomley), the film follows the unexpected journey of two lifelong friends from Dundee who dream of hip-hop super-stardom. There's just one problem: nobody takes two white guys ...

Albi and The Wolves

13th June 2026 8:00pm (Doors open at 7:00 pm)

Kirkgate Centre

Category: Music

Albi & The Wolves: "They are folk Jim, but not always as we know it.” Graham Reid. This elegant summary highlights what makes the indie-folk quartet different, by combining contemporary songwriting and the bands varied backgrounds they make something unique, but not unfamiliar. Chris Dent (Acoustic guitar, lead vocals), Pascal Roggen (BV’s, electric violin), Micheal Young (BV’s, double bass), and ...

The Sunday Session

14th June 2026 2:00pm (Doors open at 1:45 pm)

Kirkgate Centre

Category: Join In

Are you a musician, looking for a place to test out your tunes? Do you sing/play and would love to meet up with other musicians to have a bit of a jam? Our open mic night has evolved! We're starting a new approach, to cater for all, with our Sunday Sessions. Come down for a listen, or bring an instrument ...
Testimonials

I remember fondly our time at the Kirkgate a couple of years ago, the warm and intimate atmosphere and the friendly welcome.

Kiki Dee

 The Kirkgate is my ideal venue. Intimate and warm, staffed by passionate folks who really care about The Arts and about their local community. It has a beating heart, even more so due to the eager enthusiastic volunteers who help run it.

Snake Davis

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Cockermouth and had a great evening at the Kirkgate, the venue and staff were fantastic. We look forward to returning sometime in the future.

Kevin Morris & Dr Feelgood