Lincoln’s award-winning youth space is back!
The Zone returns to City Square all summer long – free for 11–18s
Chill, create, be you.
There’s something for everyone at The Zone. And the best bit? It’s all FREE! From chilled hangouts and high-energy workshops with pro artists to gaming, cosy book corners, live shows and full-on summer parties – it’s your call what you do.
Ready to own your summer? Then drop in for free activities, giveaways and a welcoming vibe – all shaped by the ideas of young people like you from across the city.
The Zone is your place to chill, create, and be yourself this summer.
#GetInTheZone
Location
City Square
LN5 7DU
Opening Times
24th July 2026
Launch Party: 2pm-5pm
22nd July – 15th August 2026
Open Tuesday to Saturday: 11am – 5pm
Age 11-18? Then drop in for FREE within these times to chill or join our activities!
Can't get to City Square every day? Zone Go is bringing the fun to neighbourhoods across Lincoln this summer.
Get In The Zone
Anyone aged 11-18 can come and chill in The Zone—but if you want to join in our FREE activities, we’ll need a Parent or Carer to submit a Registration Form first!
Either send your young person along to The Zone, and we can send you the forms when they arrive, or click this button and do them right now!
Once registered, your young person can check into both The Zone and Zone Go for FREE all summer long. There's no need to book activities – just turn up, check in, and get involved.
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.
HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE ZONE BEFORE?
✅ Turn up and check in - you’re already signed up!
🌈 Come as you are - our team are here to help
❤️ Bring your mates - they can sign up when they get there!
☀️ Do loads or do nothing!
✌️ You do you
Take a look…
Photography: Phil Crow & Beki Doig
What's Happening
Use the toggles below to see what’s happening at The Zone!
Anyone aged 11-18 can come and just chill in The Zone, but a Registration Form must be completed before joining any organised activities. You can do the Registration now or we can send them to Parents and Carers when your young person arrives. There’s no need to book - just turn up!
The Zone is your place to chill with your friends, create alongside artists, and be yourself—all for FREE! You can expect a welcoming vibe with no pressure to get involved or do any of the activities. You be you.
This programme is weather-dependent and subject to change.
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There’s all of this to do every day!
🧊 Chill with no pressure to join in
🏓 Table Tennis
🕹️ Gaming / PS5
✂️ Crafts
📚 Book Zone
🧱 Lego
🎲 Board Games
🎵 Music
🗣️ Drama
🎨 Art Wall
🥇 Group GamesWednesday 22nd July: 11:00 - 17:00
Details coming soonThursday 23rd July: 11:00 - 17:00
🫶Kooth – Mental Health Outreach and Activities
💃 Amy O’Sullivan - DanceFriday 24th July: 11:00 - 17:00
💥 Noise Academy - DJ Skills & Showcase
🧗YMCA, Lincolnshire - ParkourSaturday 25th July: 11:00 - 17:00
Details coming soon -
There’s all of this to do every day!
🧊 Chill with no pressure to join in
🏓 Table Tennis
🕹️ Gaming / PS5
✂️ Crafts
📚 Book Zone
🧱 Lego
🎲 Board Games
🎵 Music
🗣️ Drama
🎨 Art Wall
🥇 Group GamesTuesday 28th July: 11:00 - 17:00
Details coming soonWednesday 29th July: 11:00 - 17:00
📚Lincoln Book Festival - Short Story WritingThursday 30th July: 11:00 - 17:00
🫶Kooth – Mental Health Outreach and Activities
💃 Amy O’Sullivan - DanceFriday 31st July: 11:00 - 17:00
💥 Noise Academy - DJ Skills & Showcase
🧗YMCA, Lincolnshire - ParkourSaturday 1st August: 11:00 - 17:00
Details coming soon -
There’s all of this to do every day!
🧊 Chill with no pressure to join in
🏓 Table Tennis
🕹️ Gaming / PS5
✂️ Crafts
📚 Book Zone
🧱 Lego
🎲 Board Games
🎵 Music
🗣️ Drama
🎨 Art Wall
🥇 Group GamesTuesday 4th August: 11:00 - 17:00
📸 Access to Music - Greenscreen Photography and Photo Shop workshop
🎪 Abstract Cirrcus - Cirrcus WorkshopWednesday 5th August: 11:00 - 17:00
Details coming soonThursday 6th August: 11:00 - 17:00
🫶Kooth – Mental Health Outreach and Activities
🏛️Hamish Falconer MP - MP Surgery
💃 Amy O’Sullivan - DanceFriday 7th August: 11:00 - 17:00
🫶Kooth – Mental Health Outreach and Activities
💥 Noise Academy - DJ Skills & Showcase
🧗YMCA, Lincolnshire - ParkourSaturday 8th August: 11:00 - 17:00
📓Dana Ilinca - Zine Making Workshop -
There’s all of this to do every day!
🧊 Chill with no pressure to join in
🏓 Table Tennis
🕹️ Gaming / PS5
✂️ Crafts
📚 Book Zone
🧱 Lego
🎲 Board Games
🎵 Music
🗣️ Drama
🎨 Art Wall
🥇 Group GamesTuesday 11th August: 11:00 - 17:00
Details coming soonWednesday 12th August: 11:00 - 17:00
📚Lincoln Book Festival - Short Story WritingThursday 6th August: 11:00 - 17:00
🫶Kooth – Mental Health Outreach and ActivitiesFriday 7th August: 11:00 - 17:00
📚Lincoln Book Festival - Short Story Writing
💥 Noise Academy - DJ Skills & Showcase
🧗YMCA, Lincolnshire - ParkourSaturday 8th August: 11:00 - 17:00
📸 Access to Music - Celebration
Kooth - Mental Health Outreach
Join Eloise’s calm activities, making zines and positive affirmation cards, and learn how Kooth can support you. Whatever you’re feeling, Kooth are here to help with free, safe and anonymous support.
Lincoln Book Festival - Short Story Workshop
Create your own super short 50-word story for Lincoln Book Festival's Flash Fiction Competition! This year's competition theme is “Hobbies”, inspired by the National Year of Reading 2026 “Go All In” campaign, designed to help more people across the UK rediscover the joy of reading. Prizes of £30 in book vouchers are up for grabs for the best short story (as selected by a panel of judges) submitted to the Lincoln Book Festival Flash Fiction Competition 2026.
Noise Academy - DJing
Drop the beat and learn to mix like a pro in these hands-on DJ workshops. Whether you’re brand new or already vibing, this is your chance to get loud and take the spotlight.
YMCA Lincolnshire - Parkour
Learn to roll, vault, jump, balance and flow through progressive activities that build confidence, creativity and resilience.
Meet Our Artists
Get ready for a line-up of local artists bringing creativity, energy, and something totally different to The Zone. Whether you're into drama, gaming design, music or sports, there's something here with your name on it.
Abstract Circus CIC - Circus Skills
Roll up and join Abstract Circus CIC for a fun filled session. Try juggling, hula hoops, diablo and more! No prior experience needed. Abstract Circus support mental health by empowering minds through Circus arts!
Access Creative College - Photography
Step in front of the green screen and learn how digital image editing can transport you anywhere. Participants will have their photograph professionally composited into imaginative and unexpected locations using Adobe Photoshop. Each participant will receive a complimentary digital copy of their finished image to take home.
Amy O’Sullivan - Dance Jam
Get ready to move and groove in an energetic dance drop-in session at The Zone! Whether you’re a beginner or a confident mover, the session is all about self-expression, fun, and feeling the beat. Join Amy for dynamic moves, fresh choreography, and good vibes in a welcoming, creative space. Let’s dance it out and make some unforgettable moments this summer!
Dana Ilinca - Zine Making
Dana will guide people through cutting and folding zines, experimenting with different materials, and combining drawing, collage, and writing to explore different approaches to visual storytelling. Young people will be encouraged to communicate narratives and express their ideas on paper through zine-making
Credits
The Zone has been developed by Zest x AirClad
For Zest
PARTICIPATION COORDINATOR
Jack Wilkin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Adam Pownall
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Toby Ealden
PRODUCER
Beki Doig
PROJECT PRODUCER
Eve Herrick
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
VOLUNTEERS
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
