Warrington Youth Zone marks its fourth birthday on Saturday, 11 July with a free family event that will formally open the new Makers Zone and Darts Zone at its Dallam Lane venue. The celebration, which runs from midday until 6pm, includes taster sessions across sports, climbing, gaming, creative arts, music, cooking and wellbeing, as listed by We Are Warrington BID. Live entertainment will also feature alongside the chance to explore every area of the facility.
The Makers Zone and Darts Zone represent the latest expansion of the purpose-built site that opened on 2 July 2022, when more than 1,400 people attended and over 1,000 young people signed up as members on the first day. The Youth Zone now attracts 1,500 visits each week, with more than 12,000 children and young people having joined as members by July 2025. Membership costs £5 per year with 50p per visit, and the venue operates seven days a week offering more than 20 activities each session for those aged 7 to 19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs.
The organisation traces its roots to Warrington Boys Club, founded in 1930 by parents concerned about their sons getting into trouble after school. It later became Warrington Youth Club, and in 2009 discussions began with OnSide, Warrington Borough Council and other partners to create a purpose-built Youth Zone. The facility sits close to Warrington Central Station and the bus station, and now forms part of the OnSide network, which welcomes over 50,000 members each year across the country.
Previous birthdays have drawn large crowds, with the second celebration on 6 July 2024 running from 11am until 2.30pm, and the third on 5 July 2025 taking place between midday and 3.30pm.
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