A brand-new event designed by young people for young people is coming to Scunthorpe this summer, and it’s totally free.
Teen Takeover will take place on Wednesday 20 August from 11am to 4pm across Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens, 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, and Scunthorpe Central Library – bringing together music, creativity, entertainment, and advice ahead of GCSE results day.
Developed with input from local teens, the event will include something for everyone, from gaming and sports challenges to chill-out zones, workshops, and live performances.
A highlight of the day will be Imagi-con, a mini comic-con experience at 20-21 featuring sci-fi characters, cosplay, crafts, face painting, DJs, and gaming. Visitors can see the Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1 and the Bumblebee Transformer car, both on display for photos. There will also be a lightsaber workshop and a red carpet-style welcome, encouraging everyone to dress for the occasion.
In Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens, the roller rink disco will get everyone moving, with music, lights, and professional skaters offering demonstrations and support. A BMX vs. Parkour stunt show, the only one of its kind in the UK, will feature jaw-dropping tricks using trampolines and a bespoke rig. The School of Beatbox will also run fun, interactive music sessions.
The gardens will also host the Teen Chill Out Zone, delivered by Play Anywhere Dazzle Playbox, with crafts, backdrops for selfies and space to relax. Lab Rascals will lead slime-making workshops and a giant ice sculpture challenge where participants can extract sweets using toy pickaxes.
Believe in Youth will bring their gaming bus and run sports challenges nearby, offering competitive fun for those looking to test their skills.
Scunthorpe Central Library will offer “Ready, Steady, Cook” sessions using air fryers, festival glitter makeovers, and a quiet zone with sensory areas for downtime. There will also be walkabout characters and giant games in Library Square.
Over at the UTC Engineering College zone, visitors can try hands-on STEM activities and enjoy a picnic space. Families are welcome to bring their own food or visit the 20-21 café for picnic favourites.
There will be live music performances throughout the day, with young people encouraged to book a slot and showcase their talent by contacting the council’s events team.
Young people will also be able to access advice on education and career options, get help with CVs, and speak to teams offering information on next steps.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We’re proud to be putting on a full programme of events for children of all ages throughout the summer holidays. Teen Takeover is a fantastic example of how we are supporting young people with free, engaging activities that have been designed around what they have told us they want to see.
“It’s also a great boost for the town centre, bringing hundreds of young people and families into Scunthorpe for the day, which we hope will provide a real benefit to local shops, cafés and other businesses.”
Teen Takeover is part of the council’s wider programme of free summer activities taking place across the school holidays. Everything on the day is free to take part in and no booking is required.
