February 2026 brought a bit of everything to Leeds Arena — chart music, career opportunities for young people, a tribute to the King of Pop, and a very special sporting milestone.
After the quieter start to the year in January, this month felt like the arena slowly building its rhythm again.
February 6th – Jason Derulo (Music)
The first big public show of the month came from Jason Derulo, bringing chart hits and high-energy choreography to the arena.
From the moment the doors opened you could feel the excitement building — fans ready to sing along to every track. Shows like this are always a spectacle: flashing lights, dancers moving in perfect sync, and a crowd that doesn’t sit down for a second.
Once the last song finished and the crowd began heading home, the arena floor told the story of the night — cups, confetti, and the usual post-concert trail left behind.
Another busy but satisfying clean-up shift.
February 11th – Leeds Apprenticeship Fair (Careers Event)
A completely different atmosphere arrived with the Leeds Apprenticeship Fair, which took place during National Apprenticeship Week — a nationwide initiative dedicated to promoting apprenticeships and career opportunities across the UK.
Instead of music and stage lights, the arena floor was filled with exhibition stands, banners, and hundreds of students exploring potential career paths. Employers, training providers, and organisations were all there to speak with young people about the opportunities available to them after school or college.
Events like this show a different side of the arena. It’s not just concerts and entertainment — it can also be a place where people take the first steps into their future careers.
For a day, the building became more like a giant classroom than a concert venue, with conversations happening everywhere about skills, training, and the possibilities ahead.
February 20th – Michael Starring Ben (Michael Jackson Tribute)
The arena then stepped back in time with Michael Starring Ben, one of the most well-known Michael Jackson tribute shows around.
From the moment the opening beat dropped, the energy in the building felt electric. The costumes, choreography, and iconic moves recreated the magic of the King of Pop.
You could hear the crowd singing along to every classic — from Billie Jean to Thriller. Tribute shows always carry a special atmosphere, because they’re built on nostalgia and admiration.
By the end of the night, the stage looked like a pop concert had passed through — glitter, cups, and the occasional fedora hat left behind in the crowd.
February 28th – Harlem Globetrotters (100 Years)
The final event of the month was something truly special.
The Harlem Globetrotters arrived in Leeds celebrating 100 years of basketball entertainment.
This wasn’t just sport — it was a mix of basketball, comedy, and showmanship all rolled into one. The crowd was full of families, kids laughing, and fans watching trick shots that seemed impossible.
It’s amazing how the arena can transform so easily — one week it’s a pop concert, the next it’s a basketball court filled with tricks and crowd interaction.
A brilliant way to close out the month.
Final Thoughts
February 2026 showed once again how diverse life inside Leeds Arena can be.
From pop concerts and tribute acts to career fairs during National Apprenticeship Week, and even a century of basketball history with the Harlem Globetrotters, every event brought its own energy and its own story.
And once the crowds leave and the lights come up, the clean-up begins — the quiet part of the night where the arena resets itself, ready for the next show.
Because in a place like this, there’s always another event waiting just around the corner.
