Location

City Square
LN5 7DU

Opening Times

18th July 2025
Launch Party: 2pm-6pm

19th July – 29th August 2025
Open Tuesday to Saturday: 11am – 5pm

Age 11-18? Then drop in for FREE within these times to chill or join our activities!

Free Bubble Tea from Bubble Kiss for the first 20 young people to check-in each day 18th July – 1st August 2025!

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 you submit the form, your young person will be added to our system so they can check into The Zone for FREE whenever we're open! No need to book, just turn up!

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.

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.

Access Creative College - Games Art
We’re thrilled to offer a series of three immersive 2D art workshops, all dedicated to the vibrant and creative world of pixel art. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, these workshops are designed to help you explore the unique techniques that make pixel art so captivating.

Access Creative College - Games Development
Come and dive into the world of game design and development—play, explore, and discover what it takes to bring digital worlds to life! We’ll be showcasing an arcade machine loaded with games created by our very own students, giving you a chance to play and get inspired by their creative work. In addition, we’ll have two VR (Virtual Reality) sets available for you to explore immersive game environments firsthand. 

Access Creative College - Dynamic Film and Photography Workshops
Our film and photography workshops offer a fresh and exciting experience in each of the three sessions, designed to spark creativity and hands-on learning. Each session builds new skills and offers a different creative challenge, making this series perfect for both beginners and those looking to expand their film and photography abilities.

Amy O’Sullivan - Dance
Get ready to move and groove in an energetic dance 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 us 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!

Cas Potterton – Poetry, Games and Calm
Join Cas every Saturday in our calm space at The Zone to create, share, and relax. From poetry sessions to accessible tabletop games, Cas is our pro when it comes to creating an inclusive, creative, and calm space.

Creatively Autistic Together - Dungeons and Dragons
Arm yourself with magic, martial prowess, and plenty of mayhem on Wednesday 6th August at The Zone! Join an expert Game Master and facilitator to experiment with storytelling, improvisation and collaboration through the fantastical worlds of Dungeons and Dragons.

Lincoln Book Festival – Creative Story Writing
Write a super short story with Jane from Lincoln Book Festival for the chance to win book tokens for you and your school! The Flash Fiction Competition invites budding authors to write a 50-word story on the theme of "Heroes and Villains". There's also the chance to attend a story celebration at The Zone at the end of Summer, and at Lincoln Arts Centre in October too!

Lincoln Museum & Usher Gallery
Create unique t-shirt designs to be printed at The Zone with the Lincoln Museum team! We’re also heading up to the Usher Gallery on Wednesday 27th August (12:00 – 14:00), so you can explore and join the Usher Young Creatives, where you can:
·      Meet and learn from artists, museum and gallery professionals.
·      Work and collaborate with other young creatives and gallery staff
·      Gain insight and experience into the work of a gallery.
·      Exhibit your work and produce creative projects.
·      Visit galleries and studio spaces.

Hamish Falconer, MP - Teenage Surgery
Speak with Lincoln’s MP, Hamish Falconer at The Zone! This is your chance to have your voice heard by the person who represents you in Parliament. Hamish joins us on Friday 25th July alongside our Sound Board performances.

Kooth – Mental Health Outreach
Join Eloise’ calm activities and learn how Kooth can support you. Whatever you’re feeling, Kooth are here to help with free, safe and anonymous support. https://www.kooth.com/

Live Music - Performance & Jams
Be inspired by other young musicians with two live gigs happening right here at The Zone! Access Creative College students will perform at our launch party on Friday 18th July, and our final day on Friday 29th August.

Come and jam! From beginners to pros, all young participants are welcome to join our live music jam sessions on Wednesday 13th August and Wednesday 27th August.

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.

Saturdays - Welcome to Calm Zone
We’re still bringing the crafts, games, music and good vibes – just with the volume turned down. Perfect if you’re neurodivergent, need a quieter space, or just want a more chilled-out summer moment. No pressure. No noise. Just you, your pace, your way.

Sound Board – Zest’s NEW Touring Show 2025
It starts with your voice—and anything can happen from there. Part performance, part game, all about you: Sound Board is your chance to talk, play and take up space, and it’s coming to The Zone!

One moment, you’re playing a game. Next, you could be reflecting, cheering, or celebrating what makes you unique under a shower of confetti. Put on your headphones, listen in, and see where it takes you. No two Sound Board shows are the same, but each is full of big ideas, bold opinions, and unexpected moments that unfold around you. No scripts, no barriers, no filters - just the energy of right now.

The Gentry – FREE Barber Cuts
Jake is with us every Wednesday to ensure you’re looking and feeling good this summer, offering FREE cuts at The Zone!

YMCA Lincolnshire – Parkour
Run, jump, flip—Parkour is here and it’s epic. With pro instructors and a safe set-up, you’ll build skills, confidence, and serious air time.

Zone Ambassadors – Youth-Led Activities
The Zone has been co-created with young people, for young people, and now our Zone Ambassadors, a group of 20-25 young people who joined us last year, are ready to lead the FUN! From ‘dress to impress’ to water fights, social arts activities to ping pong tournaments, and from TikTok dances to The Zone’s Got Talent - join the fun, and maybe you’ll lead some fun yourself?!

For Zest

PARTICIPATION COORDINATOR
Adam Perkins

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
Tinashe Chipawe
Eve Herrick
Jo Knight
Oliver Neary
Inez Spence
Caley Starbuck

VOLUNTEERS
Fran Robertson
Himaya Vidanapathirana
Saara Kelem

ZONE AMBASSADORS
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