After the movement and momentum of July, August came in like a soft breeze — calm, quiet, and slow. Just three shifts this month. No major tours sweeping through, no back-to-back events to keep us spinning. And honestly? I didn’t mind the change of pace.

August 1st – TRANSFORMERS25 (Final Day)

August started where July left off — with TRANSFORMERS25, the four-day Christian youth event at First Direct Arena. This was the final night, and while the energy was still high for the attendees, for us on the clean-up team, it was the wind-down.

The vibes were peaceful — flags still waving, bits of staging being dismantled, and traces of worship echoing faintly through the arena as the last few people trickled out. Like the rest of that weekend, the work was steady but light. No heavy mess, just the usual post-event trail: coffee cups, brochures, snack wrappers. One last sweep to close the book on a spiritually charged weekend.

August 9th – PAW Patrol Live

The next time I clocked in was on the 9th, and it couldn’t have been more different. PAW Patrol Live — a colourful, chaotic kids’ daytime show. While the event was all about fun and excitement for the little ones, the clean-up was a full-on mission.

Sticky floors, popcorn everywhere, glow sticks, balloon bits, juice cartons, and the occasional lost teddy bear — it felt like the arena had been through a glitter explosion mixed with a sweet shop. The audience might’ve all gone home by the time we arrived, but their tiny footprints and trail of sugar remained. It was exhausting in a different way — not heavy work, just relentless detail.

August 27th – WWE

Then, just as the month was winding down, WWE rolled into town on the 27th, and the arena was suddenly alive again.

Crowd energy? Through the roof. The roar of chants, pyro bursts, and wrestling theatrics left behind a very different kind of mess. We’re talking beer cups, signs, wristbands, snack carnage — and loads of merch packaging. The atmosphere lingers long after the fans have left, and there’s always a buzz when you’re cleaning up after something that big and brash. It felt like the only classic arena night shift of the month.

Looking Ahead

That was it. Just three shifts — but all wildly different. From praise and prayer, to kids’ chaos, to body slams and steel chairs. That’s what I love about this job — even a slow month has range. And even when there are fewer shifts, there’s always something to take away from each one.

Let’s see what September brings.