Award-winning youth space, The Zone, returns to Lincoln this summer
The award-winning pop-up youth space returns to City Square from Wednesday 22 July to Saturday 15 August 2026 , offering those aged 11-18 a variety of free creative workshops, games, performances and activities throughout the summer holidays.
This year also marks the launch of Zone Go, a new mobile zone designed to bring all the best bits of The Zone out on 4 wheels and directly into local neighbourhoods across Lincoln. Together, The Zone and Zone Go will deliver 45 days of free youth provision across the city this summer.
The Zone first opened in City Square in 2024, following the urgent need for more spaces designed for teenagers. After welcoming nearly 1,000 visits during its first summer, the project returned in 2025 and more than doubled its reach, welcoming over 2,000 visits from young people across the holidays.
Now entering its third year, The Zone continues to grow from a Lincoln idea into a nationally recognised model. Following a successful 2025 East Midlands tour, The Zone and Zone Go will visit towns and cities across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond throughout 2026.
At the heart of the programme is youth leadership. The 30 young people who attended most regularly in 2025 have been invited to join the Zone Ambassadors group, helping shape the summer programme and supporting on-site delivery. From activity ideas to the atmosphere of the space, young people remain central to making The Zone feel like it genuinely belongs to them.
Toby Ealden, Artistic Director and CEO of Zest, said-
"The Zone was built in Lincoln for the young people of Lincoln. It came directly from young people telling us they needed more places to go, more things to do, and more spaces where they could feel welcome, safe and completely themselves.
"This year is a real partnership moment with City of Lincoln Council. Their support means thousands of young people across Lincoln will be able to access purpose-built spaces created with them in mind."
Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said-
“As a council, we are committed to creating opportunities for young people and helping make Lincoln a place where they can thrive. We are proud to support The Zone and Zone Go, ensuring more young people can access free activities, build confidence and meet new people, and explore their creativity this summer.”
The Zone will also host a launch party on Friday, 24 July. The space will operate as normal from 11am–2pm before evolving into a larger summer party atmosphere from 2pm–5pm, with music, activities and even more free bubble teas flowing throughout the afternoon.
Zone Go will tour locations across Lincoln from Monday, 3 August to Friday, 4 September 2026:
- Mondays (excluding 31 August) – YMCA St Giles Youth Centre, LN2 4ND
- Tuesdays – Lincoln Arboretum, LN2 5RT
- Wednesdays – Sudbrooke Drive Community Centre, LN2 2DD
- Thursdays – Moorlands Community Centre, LN6 7NH
- Fridays – Birchwood Leisure Centre, LN6 0JE
All activities at both The Zone and Zone Go are free, but under-18s must register at getinthezone.uk.
