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
Mayfield School Art Exhibition
14th March 2026 12:00am
Kirkgate Centre
From Wednesday 11th March we will be home to a selection of artwork from the pupils at Mayfield School. The works will be available to view when the centre is open for events between Wednesday 11th and Friday 20th March*. Their works will be available to purchase, with collection at the end of the exhibition on the afternoon of Friday ...
Tryckster – 30 years of madness!
14th March 2026 7:30pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Tryckster ply a boisterous trade in foot-stomping energetic tune-led songs about the state of the world and how we fix it. The band came into being following a St Patrick’s Night session in Cockermouth back in 1996, so this event celebrates their 30years of contribution to the local folk scene, in the venue that’s been an important part of their ...
Mayfield School Art Exhibition
15th March 2026 12:00am
Kirkgate Centre
From Wednesday 11th March we will be home to a selection of artwork from the pupils at Mayfield School. The works will be available to view when the centre is open for events between Wednesday 11th and Friday 20th March*. Their works will be available to purchase, with collection at the end of the exhibition on the afternoon of Friday ...
NTLive Hamlet
15th March 2026 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Kirkgate Centre
Hamlet by William Shakespeare directed by Robert Hastie Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) is Hamlet in this fearless, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Trapped between duty and doubt, surrounded by power and privilege, young Prince Hamlet dares to ask the ultimate question – you know the one. National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director, Robert Hastie (Standing at the ...