Alice Lilley reports on the changes to the nightlife scene in York as the new academic year begins.
There have been major changes to the nightlife scene in York as the 24-25 academic year begins including several updates to popular student club nights and venues.
York Parties, a major organiser of student events, has revamped two of its club nights and introduced an additional night.
Flares Thursdays LGBTQ+ nights will now take place weekly and Club Salvation has been forced to downsize.
York Parties has updated its Platinum Card with new club nights. Jalou Tuesdays and Vudu Thursdays will replace Kuda Tuesdays and Flares Thursdays for the 24-25 academic year.
The York Parties Platinum Card is a popular student discount card that offers access to exclusive club nights in York throughout the academic year and gives users priority queue jump and free admission to club nights.
The Platinum Cards for this year now offer five weekly term-time club nights with the addition of Club Salvation on a Friday this academic year. This follows the popularity of Friday Salvos in the 23-24 academic year.
Following the popularity of Flares LGBTQ+ nights, Flares LGBTQ+ club nights will now take place every Thursday and not bi-weekly as they were last year.
This club night is a partnership between Flares and the York Student Union LGBTQ+ Network.
A spokesperson for York SU said: “York SU is excited to be exploring a wider range of club nights throughout the year, including offerings for LGBTQ students.
We are incredibly excited to welcome students back to York this week, and hope they have a fabulous time immersing themselves in all that our York Parties scheme has to offer.”
Flares will remain open from 10pm-3am, however will no longer be part of York Parties’ Platinum Card yearly package.
Club Salvation will continue its popular Wednesday and Friday club nights. This follows plans announced in May that Club Salvation is planning to downsize following financial difficulties.
The decision to downsize by closing the upper floor of the club will allow Salvation to make additional profit and prevent closure.
Yates, traditionally known as a pub in York, is expanding its appeal to club-goers.
The bar underwent a £300,000 makeover in January 2024 and re-opened in February with a brand new interior.
The renovation included a full redecoration of the pub with new sound and lighting installed and new TV screens in booths alongside a new Instagram photo wall and booth.
There is a new fixed DJ booth that converts during the day into a table, providing a more club-like atmosphere during the night.
Yates now offers themed nights throughout the week including Monday Karaoke Night, PAP (pound a pint) Wednesdays, Thursday Throwdowns and Fusion Friday with a DJ from 8pm.