Welcome to The Zone – an award-winning youth space for 11–18s
Chill, create, be you.
There’s something for everyone at The Zone. And the best bit? It’s all FREE!
Back in 2022, we asked over 1,500 young people across Lincoln what they needed most. They told us they wanted safe spaces to chill, connect with friends, and get creative.
In summer 2024, those ideas came to life with a seven-week pilot in Lincoln city centre. The Zone welcomed 927 visits from young people, 32% of whom had never taken part in arts and culture before. Participants rated their experience 4.7 stars, with 55% reporting an increase in cheerfulness and 50% feeling more confident after attending.
Building on that success, 2025 saw The Zone hit the road, popping up in towns and city centres across the region. Whether you wanted to play games, try out something creative, or just sit back and relax, this was the place to do it. Every time the doors opened, the message was the same: walk in, no cost, no pressure. You could stay for ten minutes or the whole day. Some people came to DJ or paint; others came to hang out with friends, meet new people, or just enjoy the space.
The Zone is built around what young people asked for — a safe spot to chill, a chance to get creative, and somewhere you can just be yourself.
#GetInTheZone
The Zone on tour
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
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
Get In The Zone
When The Zone is open, young people aged 11–18 can drop in for free activities and hang-out space — no booking required. Parents and carers complete a quick registration form the first time, and their young person can check in as often as they like for the rest of the programme.
The Zone is a drop-in facility for young people who already access public spaces, like parks or high streets, independently and without supervision. We aim to provide a positive place for them to go when they are out and about. While our activities are supervised, The Zone will be set up in open public spaces, meaning participants can come and go as they choose.
The Zone staff are DBS checked and trained in Safeguarding and First Aid. This project is delivered by Zest - a Registered Charity and National Portfolio Organisation with Arts Council England. You can find out more about us here.
Take a look
Photography: Phil Crow & Beki Doig
The Impact So Far
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, to be heard, and to find joy.
And it works. In 2025, The Zone became a go-to spot for thousands of young people:
Over 3,000 visits from young people across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
54 days of free activities, games, and creative hang-out space.
33% of the young people who joined us had never taken part in arts and culture before.
An average of 62 young people a day choosing The Zone as their place to chill, create and be themselves.
91% told us they felt welcomed and included, with many also saying they felt they were able to express themselves creatively.
The Zone is more than a space — it’s a tested, impactful model of youth engagement that can transform your town centre, festival, or community event. Want to find out more? Use the links below.
Credits
The Zone has been developed by Zest x AirClad
For Zest
PARTICIPATION COORDINATOR
Adam Perkins
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Adam Pownall
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Toby Ealden
PRODUCER
Beki Doig
PRODUCTION MANAGER 2025
Lindley Productions
INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION
StageLinc
BRAND & GRAPHIC DESIGN
Fabric.
R&D PARTICIPATION COORDINATOR
Georgina Weller
R&D WORKSHOP ARCHIVIST
Daniel Morgan
YOUTH ARTS WORKERS
Tinashe Chipawe
Eve Herrick
Jo Knight
Oliver Neary
Inez Spence
Caley Starbuck
Dan Salmon
VOLUNTEERS 2025
Fran Robertson
Himaya Vidanapathirana
Saara Kelem
ZONE AMBASSADORS 2025
Adit Maharaj
Alfie Ealden
Caleb Cooke
Ethan Jennings
Evie Allen
Grace Bishell
Himaya Vidanapathirana
Joshua Yates
Joy Ifeoluwakiitan Adejube
Julia Frydenberg
Mahfuz Ahad
Mehdi Ahad
Mel Ojebor
Mert Myumyun
Nia-Mae Jackson
Oluwapelumi Fadipe
Oreoluwa Favour Adejube
Saara Kelem
Savenya
Shriya Maharaj
Will King
Youssef Elzaiat
For AirClad
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Nick Crosbie
PROJECT MANAGER
Nick Halbert
DESIGNER
James Bristow
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sam Clemance
GENERAL MANAGER
Kerry Campbell
With thanks
DETACHED YOUTH WORK
Lincolnshire YMCA
R&D YOUTH ADVISORY GROUPS
St Peter at Gowts Church of England Primary School
The Network
The Priory Witham Academy
