Welcome to The Zone – an award-winning youth space for 11–18s
Popping up in Newark Market Place, July 2025!
Chill, create, be you.
There’s something for everyone at The Zone. And guess what? It’s all FREE! From laidback hangouts and high-energy workshops with pro artists to gaming, book corners, and adrenaline-pumping parties – you decide how to spend your time.
We’re popping up at the Royal Market as part of Newark Book Festival – bringing good vibes, free food, and a space that’s totally yours.
Open after school and across the weekend, it’s the perfect place to chill, create, and be you.
#GetInTheZone
Location
Newark Market Place
NG24 1DU
Opening Times
Thursday 10th July: 15:00-18:00
Friday 11th July: 15:00-18:00
Saturday 12th July: 11:00-17:00
Sunday 13th July: 11:00-17:00
Age 11-18? Then drop in for FREE within these times to chill or join our activities!
Plus! FREE Greggs Meal Deal for the first 50 young people to check in each day!
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.
Take a look
Video: Blink Creative
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 Games
Thursday 10th July: 15:00 – 18:00
👾YMCA, Newark - Art, Animation and Game Design
🫶Kooth – Mental Health Outreach and Activities
🗣️ Cherry Walters – Drama/Theatre
📷 Photography
🎵 MusicFriday 11th July: 15:00 – 18:00
🥎 YMCA, Newark – Multi-Sports
💥 Noise Academy - DJ Skills & Showcase
🎨 Art Wall
📷 Photography
Saturday 12th July: 11:00 – 17:00
🎙️Rap Factory – Rob Bradley
✂️ Crafts
🎨 Art Wall
🎵 Music
🏺 Clay Modelling
Sunday 13th July: 11:00 – 17:00
🗣️ Cherry Walters – Drama/Theatre
👾YMCA, Newark - Art, Animation and Game Design
🎨 Art Wall
📷 Photography
✂️ Crafts
💥 Social Games for the final day of FUN at The Zone!
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.
Cherry Walters – Drama/Theatre
Get silly, build confidence, and create your own scenes in this high-energy drama workshop. Expect fast-paced games, big laughs, and total freedom to be yourself.
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.
Newark Book Festival
We’re working alongside 9th Newark Book Festival, as they offer a diverse collection of events for anyone who loves a good story. Over the four days, you will be introduced to over 60 writers and storytellers in 45 events, suitable for young children, families and teens. Their full programme is on their website here.
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.
Rob Bradley - Rap Factory
Join Rob, a world championship-winning freestyle rapper, a published poet and a multiple time TEDx talker to create and rap your own words and stories at The Zone.
YMCA - Art and Animation
Master 2D and 3D animation techniques in this art and animation session delivered by the YMCA.
YMCA - Multi-Sports and Skills
Try a variety of sports and games, build coordination, and have fun with the YMCA x Zest!
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
Lindley Productions
INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION
StageLinc
BRAND & GRAPHIC DESIGN
Fabric.
YOUTH ARTS WORKERS
Tinashe Chipawe
Jo Knight
Oliver Neary
Inez Spence
Caley Starbuck
For AirClad
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Nick Crosbie
PROJECT MANAGER
Nick Halbert
DESIGNER
James Bristow
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sam Clemance
GENERAL MANAGER
Kerry Campbell
