A Cumbrian entertainment venue has lined up a weekend of big-hitting shows as part of the Taste Cumbria food festival later this month.

John Lebbon will headline at The Kirkgate Centre in Cockermouth on Saturday, September 23, where he will be joined by Irish comedian Kieran Lawless, hailed by reviewers as “hilarious self-deprecating humour from a man desperately trying to be less self-deprecating”, and Teesside based comic Fran Garrity.

Doors open at 7pm for the show at 8pm.

The Big Kirkgate Weekend for foodies kicks off with the weekly ‘Friday night is pizza and film night’ at the Centre. Kirkgate works with authentic Italian pizzeria Fermento in Market Place who have pizzas delivered straight from their ovens to Kirkgate’s bar, a short walk away.

Emma Heys, Kirkgate's General Manager, said: "Our regular Comedy@Kirkgate events are always popular, so it’s great to be adding to the buzz over the Taste Cumbria festival weekend. We’re always impressed with the mix of talent John brings to Cockermouth.“ 

"The Taste Cumbria festival is the perfect time to settle in and enjoy the best pizzas in town before seeing the film on the Big Screen, We’re showing ‘Mad About the Boy’

On Sunday, September 24, The Jake Leg Jug Band takes to the Kirkgate stage, bringing the authentic sounds of 1920s and 30s America - Jazz, Blues, Gospel and Ragtime – to round off the food festival weekend with songs of murder, betrayal, gambling, liquor and redemption.

Doors open at 6.30pm with live music from 7.30pm.

Tickets for all shows are available at www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk