Welcome to The Zone – an award-winning youth space for 11–18s

Popping up in Sleaford’s Market Place!


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.

The Zone is touring the country and stopping in Sleaford twice – once in June and again in September! We’ll be open after school and at weekends, so drop by when it suits you. Come for the chilled-out vibes, creative activities, and a space that’s totally yours.

Created for young people just like you, The Zone is your place to chill, create, and be yourself.

#GetInTheZone

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Location

Market Place, Sleaford
NG34 7SD


Opening Times

Thursday 5th June: 3pm – 7pm
Friday 6th June: 3pm – 7pm
Saturday 7th June: 11am – 5pm
Sunday 8th June: 11am – 5pm

Thursday 18th September: 3pm – 7pm
Friday 19th September: 3pm – 7pm
Saturday 20th September: 11am – 5pm
Sunday 21st September: 11am – 5pm

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


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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


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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.

  • There's all of this to do every day!
    🧊 Chill with no pressure to join in
    🏓 Table Tennis
    🕹️ Gaming
    ✂️ Crafts
    📚 Book Zone
    🧱 Lego
    🎲 Board Games
    🎵 Music
    🗣️ Drama
    🎨 Art
    🥇 Group Games

    Thursday 5th June: 15:00 - 19:00
    🎨 Art Wall
    ✂️ Crafts
    📷 Photography
    🖌️ Decorate The Zone!

    Friday 6th June: 15:00 – 19:00
    🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️ YMCA - Parkour
    💥 Noise Academy - DJ Skills & Showcase
    🎨 Art Wall
    ✂️ Crafts

    Saturday 7th June: 11:00 – 17:00
    🛍️ Teenage Market
    🎵 Shug Studios – Live Music Performances from Young People
    ✂️Hub – Crafts with Local Artists
    🗣️ Drama Games
    🎵 Music
    📷 Photography

    Sunday 8th June: 11:00 – 17:00
    🎵 Shug Studios – Live Music Jam
    🖼️ Amy Coney - Spray Painting & Street Art
    💃 Hub – Creative Dance
    🏺 Clay Modelling
    🎨 Art Activities
    ✂️ Crafts

Meet our artists!

Amy Coney – Street Art & Spray Painting
Try your hand at spray painting with artist Amy Coney! Using bold stencils and vibrant colours, young people can create their own mini masterpiece and get a taste of street art in a safe, fun environment.

Hub – Arts Activities
Design posters, craft colourful bunting, and let your imagination take over as you help light up Sleaford’s RiverLight Festival. Come get hands-on, make your mark, and leave with something awesome you’ve created.

Hub – Street and Creative Dance
Feel the beat and throw some shapes with high-energy street dance led by pro dancers. No pressure, just good vibes and fresh moves whether you’re new or already dancing

Noise Academy – DJing
Spin the decks, build your mix, and learn to DJ like a legend. These workshops are all about energy, creativity, and making your own sound.

Shug Studios – Live Music Showcase
Sleaford’s young talent takes the stage—bands, solo acts, and big sounds incoming! Come get inspired, nod your head, and feel the buzz of live music at The Zone.

Shug Studios – Live Music Jam
Seen the showcase and ready to jump in? This is your time to shine—bring your instrument, your voice, or your vibe and join the jam.

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.

Teenage Market
The Teenage Market gives young people a free platform to showcase their creative talents, and we’re partnering up to showcase talent from Sleaford at The Zone. Teenage Market supports the next generation of market traders and brings an influx of energy, vibrancy and diversity to towns across the UK.


Credits

The Zone has been developed by Zest x AirClad

For Zest

PRODUCER
Beki Doig

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Toby Ealden

PARTICIPATION COORDINATOR
Adam Perkins

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Adam Pownall

PRODUCTION MANAGER
Coming soon…

 

INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION
StageLinc

BRAND & GRAPHIC DESIGN
Fabric.

YOUTH ARTS WORKERS
Tinashe Chipawe
Jo Knight

For AirClad

CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Nick Crosbie

PROJECT MANAGER
Nick Halbert

DESIGNER
James Bristow

GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sam Clemance

GENERAL MANAGER
Kerry Campbell


Brought to you by North Kesteven District Council, with funding from UK Government.

Originally researched with support from City of Lincoln Council through Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone Cultural Programme.

Developed thanks to the Million Hours Fund from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and The National Lottery Community Fund, alongside support from Lincolnshire Co-op and Lincoln Arts Centre.

Zest Theatre is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.