For any returners reading this, you’ll probably know Jason Reilly as something of a maverick in the York Club scene. For freshers who aren’t yet aware of him, believe me, you soon will be.
Jason is the DJ for York’s biggest student nights, and we were lucky enough to secure an exclusive interview with him.
What do the incoming freshers have to look forward to regarding nightlife?
Freshers’ Week is hands down one of the best periods of the year. Throughout Freshers’, the vibes are super high and it’s the perfect time to meet new people and have some great nights together. You’ve got everything from the buzz of Welcome Sunday, big Freshers’ Week parties and themed events throughout the year. Halloween is always massive too!
Three of the most popular and well-loved student nights in York are Sunday Revs, Salvation Wednesdays and Fridays at Salvation. Great news for returning second and third years—all your favourite nights are back for 2024/25! If you’re new to York, here’s what you need to know:
Sunday Revs are always epic. They are the ultimate Sunday socials in an awesome venue. They are the biggest student Sunday in the UK that I know of and have been sold-out capacity parties for over 16 years.
Salvation Wednesdays, aka Salvo Wednesdays, are hands down the biggest mid-week club night in York. It’s the night when all the sports teams and societies take over, creating an electric atmosphere that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Fridays at Salvation are the North’s biggest student Friday! They’re already huge, but this year, the team and I are making it even bigger and better. Paradiso Fridays are going to be NEXT LEVEL and I’m super excited for these!
You’re at the forefront of all of York’s biggest club nights, so how did you come to be the monopoly man of the York club scene?
Growing up, I was always dabbling with voiceovers and had a love for radio. At 16, I landed my dream job with one of the biggest radio groups in the UK—Bauer Media. I was producing shows across Radio Aire in Leeds, Hallam FM in Sheffield, Viking FM in Hull, Key 103 in Manchester and The Hits Radio, which was huge!
One of the presenters at the station roped me into doing my first DJ set. I was only 17, but quickly picked up a lot of gigs and absolutely loved it. My weekly residencies at the time took me all over—Huddersfield, Leeds, York, Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool.
After a few years of DJing, I got into producing and remixing tracks—mostly chart stuff that I’d put my own spin on. Those remixes started getting picked up everywhere—clubs, radio stations, you name it! It was surreal hearing my own mixes played on the biggest stations like Capital, Kiss and BBC R1. My productions were even featured on radio shows all over the world—I find it incredible how far music can travel! I think this exposure really helped get my name out there early on and was a huge stepping stone that opened the door to many amazing opportunities that have shaped where I am today.
I’ve put in a lot of hard work, stayed consistent and always been ready to take on the next challenge. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to build fantastic relationships with clubs and the incredible people in the nightlife scene. York, in particular, has been so good to me and I’m truly grateful for all the support along the way.
York doesn’t necessarily have the biggest rep for being a party place, but most of us students would disagree. What do you think makes York nightlife stand out from the rest?
York’s nightlife is brilliant because it’s so compact, safe and friendly with a huge choice of pre’s prior to the big nights out. York’s got it all.
What’s your favourite student night to DJ at?
It’s so hard to choose! Each venue and crowd brings a completely different vibe. I’d probably go with Friday nights at Salvation, which is where I first started working with York Parties. Over the years it’s become something pretty special. The crowd is always up for it and it’s one of those nights where everyone’s just ready to let loose and enjoy themselves. Equally, the energy of Sunday Revs and the chaos of Salvo Wednesdays is right up there.
Out of the many things you’ve witnessed at York club nights, and I’m sure there is a lot, what has been the weirdest?
I’ve seen some pretty bizarre things—students turning up with potatoes, packets of bacon, doing shoeys, wearing some pretty questionable outfits and asking for some questionable songs (big shout to JoJo Siwa). You’ve got to love it though; it’s what makes York nightlife unique!
*sidenote: there is a morsel of a chance that the student who turned up to the club with a potato and bestowed it to Jason Reilly may also be the author of this article, but I omit this information and we digress…
If you had to describe the York nightlife scene in 3 words, what would they be?
Fun, safe, lively.
If you could only play one setlist every Wednesday, what songs would be on it?
If it was up to me, I’d go for a proper housey Ibiza set. Ibiza has a special place in my heart and I’ve always been drawn to the energy of dance and house music. My set would be a mix of timeless classics and fresh, high-energy tracks that just keep the vibe alive all night. But, of course, with DJing it’s all about reading the crowd and being in the moment. Every night brings its own mix of requests and reactions, which shapes the music selection, making each party its own individual experience.
Which York student society is the craziest on a club night?
Every society has its own way of going a bit mad, from funky themes to wild costumes and games. The key is to join a society that fits your vibe—you’ll meet some great people and have some top nights together.
As a seasoned clubber yourself, what advice would you have to freshers out at night to keep safe?
Always stick with your friends, especially on those big nights out. The official York Parties and York SU nights have experienced staff and welfare teams to keep you safe. Also, take advantage of Clubbers’ buses and Streamline Taxis, which are partnered with York SU. It’s probably worth having their apps to make getting home easier.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all out there this year—let’s make it one to remember!!
