Our Freedom: Then and Now – Sing for Freedom

9th November 2025 2:00pm

Kirkgate Centre

Category: Join In

Would you like to sing in a scratch choir to celebrate the idea of freedom?

Join Kirkgate Arts and Heritage for singing workshops to learn brand new songs written by JP Worsfold for a community musical that will be performed at the Cockermouth Christmas Lights switch-on event on Sunday 23rd November.

You don't need to have any previous experience of singing in a choir, you don't need to be able to read music, all you need is to bring yourself and to have fun singing with others in a relaxed and supportive space.The workshops will be led by Cumbrian musicians JP Worsfold and Dave Camlin.

Our Freedom: Then and Now is a project marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, involving 80 arts centres across the country. Kirkgate Arts and Heritage is one of the participating art centres and has commissioned musician JP Worsfold and storyteller Jessie McMeekin to create a community musical with input from people in the local area.

You will need to be available for at least one of the rehearsals, the dress rehearsal and performances on the following dates and times:

  • 24th September, 7 – 9pm – Rehearsal at The Kirkgate Centre

  • 29th October, 7 – 9pm – Rehearsal at The Kirkgate Centre

  • Sunday 9th November, 2 – 4pm – Rehearsal venue tbc (in Cockermouth)

  • Sunday 16th November, 3 – 5pm – Dress rehearsal at The Kirkgate Centre

  • Sunday 23rd November, 1:30pm – Christmas lights switch on performance on Main Street

  • Sunday, 14th December, 7pm – Indoor performance at The Kirkgate Centre

Sign up by booking a free ticket for all the rehearsals you can attend below. There is funding available to help cover your transport costs for taking part in the project.

For more information and any questions you have about the project, please get in touch with Helen Johnston athelen@thekirkgate.comor phone 01900 829966.

“Our Freedom: Then and Now”, is part of a £2 million national creative programme marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Supported by the UK Government through Arts Council England, the Future Arts Centres and Libraries Connected initiative will see 60 arts centres and libraries across Britain present community-led projects exploring the legacy of VE Day and VJ Day.

Tickets