Posted on 25th Jun
A nationally-recognised, award-winning pop-up youth space is coming to Newark Market Place, supported by Newark Creates at Newark Book Festival.
Running from 10th to 13th July, The Zone will transform the area into a colourful, custom-built environment designed specifically for teenagers.
The space is free to access and offers a mix of creative workshops, games, and relaxed hangout zones.
Created by youth specialists Zest, in collaboration with structure designers AirClad and Inflate, The Zone combines the best bits of a youth club – table tennis, gaming, party games – with access to creative workshops and activities.
There will be street art, silent discos, music, drama, and more, all designed to be fun, accessible, and open to all.
The striking setup includes a colourful, custom-built trailer, inflatable hangout spaces, and outdoor decking.
Originally developed in response to research with young people in Zest’s hometown of Lincoln, The Zone was created to answer the lack of third spaces for young people. For many, school and home are the only environments they can rely on — and there’s nowhere else they feel they truly belong. The Zone offers something different, a safe, exciting, and inclusive space that’s theirs.
“In communities across the country, young people are telling us they’re missing places they can just be,” said Toby Ealden, artistic director and chief executive of Zest. “They need somewhere that isn’t school, isn’t home — but still feels like it belongs to them. The Zone offers that third space: a place to feel welcome, to try something new, and to take up space without pressure or expectation. It’s about creating environments where young people feel proud, seen, and genuinely included.”
Every day, young people will be welcomed by a skilled team of Youth Arts Workers and visiting artists from the local area. Whether they’re looking to meet new people, try something creative, or just chill out, The Zone meets them where they are – building connection, encouraging creativity, and putting young people at the centre.
The Zone in Newark Market Place is supported by Newark Creates at Newark Book Festival, Historic England, the Million Hours Fund, The National Lottery Fund, Lincolnshire Co-op and Lincoln Arts Centre.
