Chill. Create. Be You.

The Zone is a free pop-up youth space for 11–18s, transforming town centres into places where young people can chill, create, connect and be themselves.

Designed with young people, The Zone combines creative activities, games, artist-led workshops and space to simply hang out. There’s no expectation to take part in anything — young people can try something new, spend time with friends, meet new people or just enjoy having a space that feels like theirs.

The idea began in our home city of Lincoln. In 2022, we asked more than 1,500 young people what they needed from their city. They told us they wanted somewhere they could spend time with friends, feel welcome and explore their creativity without pressure or expectations.

In summer 2024, those ideas became The Zone, with a seven-week pilot in Lincoln city centre welcoming 927 visits from young people.

Since then, The Zone has grown into a proven model for creating dedicated youth space in the heart of towns and cities. Thousands of visits have now been made to The Zone across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, with young people returning again and again to spaces designed around what matters to them.

Every Zone is different, but the idea remains the same: a welcoming place where young people can belong. You’ll find spaces to chill, games, creative activities, artist-led workshops and friendly youth workers — with young people free to shape their experience in whatever way works for them.

Tour Dates & Locations

2026

Lincoln City Square
22 July - 15 August 2026

Gainsborough
19 - 22 August 2026

Spalding
25 - 29 August 2026

2025

Mansfield Market Place
21 - 31 May 2025

Sleaford Market Place
5 - 8 June & 18 - 21 September 2025

Newark Market Place
10 - 13 July 2025

Lincoln City Square
18 July - 29 August 2025

2024

Lincoln City Square
17 July - 3 August 2024

Lincoln Under Pelham Bridge
7 - 17 August 2024

Lincoln Moorlands Community Centre
21 - 31 August 2024

Looking for our mobile youth space, Zone Go?

Zone Go transforms parks, estates, and village greens into vibrant hangouts where young people can chill, create and be themselves.

When The Zone is open, young people aged 11–18 can drop in for free activities, creative experiences and a welcoming place to hang out — no booking required. Parents or carers complete a quick registration form the first time, and young people can then check in as often as they like throughout the programme.

The Zone is designed for young people who already spend time independently in public spaces, such as parks, town centres and high streets. We provide a safe, welcoming place where they can relax, get creative and connect with others while they're out and about. Our activities are supervised by trained staff, but as the spaces are located in public areas, young people are free to come and go as they choose.

All of our Youth Arts Workers are DBS checked and trained in safeguarding and first aid. The Zone is delivered by Zest, a registered charity and National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. You can find out more about us here.

Impacts & Outcomes

Young people told us loud and clear that there aren’t enough safe, creative spaces for them. School and online life bring huge pressures, while youth services across the UK continue to shrink. The Zone was designed in response — a place to belong, connect, create and be yourself.

Since it began, The Zone has grown from an idea shaped by young people in Lincoln into a model that has brought free, welcoming youth space to communities across the country. And wherever it goes, we’re learning more about what young people value: somewhere they feel welcome, people they can trust, opportunities to connect, and the freedom to be themselves.

• Over 5,000 attendances since The Zone first opened.

• Across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, The Zone has transformed town centres into places where young people can connect, create and belong.

• In 2026, 96% said The Zone made them feel more positive about where they live.

• 73% trusted the adults at The Zone, while 67% connected with other people and 60% made new friends.

• 79% said they could express themselves and 79% felt respected.

• 39% of young people surveyed said it was their first time taking part in an arts and culture experience

The Zone is more than a pop-up youth space. It’s a tested, adaptable model for creating connection and belonging — transforming town centres, neighbourhoods, festivals and public spaces into places where young people genuinely want to spend time.

Want to bring The Zone to your community? Use the links below to find out more.

For Zest

PARTICIPATION COORDINATOR
Jack Wilkin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Adam Pownall

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Toby Ealden

PRODUCER
Beki Doig

PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lindley Productions

INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION
StageLinc

BRAND & GRAPHIC DESIGN
Fabric.

R&D PARTICIPATION COORDINATOR
Georgina Weller

R&D WORKSHOP ARCHIVIST
Daniel Morgan

YOUTH ARTS WORKERS
Caley Starbuck
Emma Chippendale
Eve Herrick
Harriet Shonfeld
Joanna Knight
Katie Miller
Lachlan Madin
Lauren Williams
Oliver Neary
Rachael Phillips
Tinashe Chipawe

ZONE AMBASSADORS
Alex Boyce
Alfie Ealden
Alisha Hammond
Caleb Cooke
Cody Green
Ethan Jennings
Grace Bishell
Isabelle Johnson
Julia Frydenberg
Oskar Bakowski
Sophie Mavers-Chance
Tony O’Flanagan
Victoria Johnston

For AirClad

CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Nick Crosbie

PROJECT MANAGERS
Nick Halbert
Emma Peareth

DESIGNERS
James Bristow
Julia Bugajska

GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sam Clemance

GENERAL MANAGER
Kerry Campbell