If you’ve ever wondered what Leeds Arena looks like when the lights go out and the crowds clear, let me give you a glimpse into that hidden world. I’ve been working as a casual cleaner on nights, clocking in just as the final cheers fade and the last confetti hits the floor. April 2025 was especially packed — a month full of stars, sweat, sugar (literally), and a surprising amount of glow sticks.
Each night brought something different — different crowds, different messes, and different vibes. Here’s a look back at some of the wild and wonderful events I cleaned up after in April.
April 3rd & 5th – War of the Worlds & Europe’s Strongest Man
We kicked off the month with the thunder and fire of War of the Worlds. Pyro residue, fake Martian goo (don’t ask), and a sea of paper programs covered the arena floor. Two nights later, the energy flipped for Europe’s Strongest Man — weights thudded, chalk dust floated in the air, and protein bar wrappers were everywhere. There’s a certain irony to wiping down seats where giants sat moments before.
April 8th – Sugababes
Glitter. So. Much. Glitter. Sugababes brought the early 2000s energy and the fans brought their best sequins. The arena looked like a nightclub had exploded, and I swear we’re still finding sparkles in the seats. But honestly? That night had a feel-good buzz that even made mopping floors kind of fun.
April 10th – Michael Ball & Alfie Boe
The tone mellowed for the classical crossover kings. Less glitter, more wine cups. Their fans left the arena pretty tidy compared to most — classy crowd! The echo of their harmonies still lingered while we worked, and I’ll admit, I was humming “You’ll Never Walk Alone” while emptying bins.
April 13th – Sean Paul
This one was loud. Sean Paul brought the heat, and so did the audience. The floor was sticky with spilled drinks, the air still warm with leftover bass, and the backstage area looked like a Red Stripe ad exploded. Cleaning that one took a bit longer than usual, but it was one of the most energetic atmospheres I’ve felt in there.
April 14th – Harlem Globetrotters
Basketballs, families, and laughter. The Globetrotters night was a fun one, and the post-show mess was mostly popcorn, soda cups, and those LED foam sticks that always seem to multiply on their own. I almost took one home. Almost.
April 18th & 19th – Paul Smith Comedy
Paul Smith brought the laughs, and honestly, his fans brought the chaos — in a good way. Friday night was packed, and the banter clearly flowed with the drinks. We had an extra clean-up shift on the 19th, which tells you something about the kind of party it turned into. One guy left behind a shoe. Just one.
April 23rd – PlayStation Live: The Concert
This was a surprise highlight for me. Live music from video games? It was beautiful — dramatic lighting, huge screens, and the fans were into it. The arena was filled with cosplayers and nostalgia. The weirdest part? Hardly any mess. Gamers are tidy, who knew?
April 26th – Gregory Porter
Soulful, smooth, and super chill. The vibe during Gregory Porter’s show was like a velvet hug. Not much to clean afterward — mostly wine glasses and the occasional jazz hat (yes, that’s a thing). The whole night felt grown-up and mellow.
April 27th – Satinder Sartaaj
To close out the month, we had a magical night of Punjabi music with Satinder Sartaaj. The crowd was vibrant, respectful, and clearly devoted to him. We had a few extra cultural decorations to sweep up and plenty of confetti, but it was one of the most beautiful messes I’ve seen.
Final Thoughts
Working nights at the arena is tough. You’re tired, sore, and the clock never moves fast enough when you’re halfway through scrubbing the floors at 2 a.m. But it’s also a front-row seat to some of the biggest nights in the city — even if we only catch the aftermath. Each event tells its own story through the trail it leaves behind, and weirdly, I’ve started to enjoy reading those stories, one empty seat at a time.
Here’s to the next show, and the next cleanup crew rolling in under the moonlight.