Jumpin’ Jaks

 

Jumpin’ Jaks

by  Pete Clemons

Life, they say, goes around in circles. I began my working life at the GEC factory in Spon Street. That building was demolished and made way for the sky dome entertainment centre completed in 1999. Like many I probably spent too many hours in there.

The sky dome has held many bars and restaurants and gymnasiums over the years. The Odeon cinema, which still operates there, Chicago Rock, The Orange House, Bonds are just a few that immediately spring to mind.

But many I suspect will have memories of Jumpin’ Jaks nightclub – some good, others not so. There was no doubt however that Jaks could draw in the clubbers - most of them queuing across the foyer even if it was empty inside.

Jaks first opened its doors in 1999 and welcomed over 1million guests. It became famous, or infamous, for its atmosphere and huge events as well as its customer service. The place packed in the crowds week after week and often reaches capacity so early arrival was always recommended.

The club presented the perfect blend of current commercial tunes and old favourites and played host to many parties and gatherings throughout the year whilst also having a huge loyal following of clubbers that attend its nights weekly.

Jaks quickly became a bastion of Coventry nightlife which continued for several years. Below is a flavour of what was on offer depending on which evening you went on.

Monday - the ultimate karaoke
Your chance to reveal your hidden talents. Bring you mates, have a laugh and sing your socks off! Free admission all night.

Tuesday - fabtastic 70s and 80s
It's back to the music of the 70s and 80s with the Jaks extravaganza of live music and crazy routines bringing alive those retro years. Free before 10pm and a £1 after.

Wednesday - tribute showtime
Come and see the best look-a-likes and sound-a-likes of the biggest music stars and legends supported by the Jaks Duelling Pianos. Free before 10pm and £2 after.

Thursday - the live one
Featuring the best cabaret and show bands in the country together with four decades of the greatest music. Free before 10pm. £2 after 10pm.

Friday and Saturday - Dualling Pianos
Experience the latest concept in live entertainment, direct from America with Jaks trademark sessions of Dualling Pianos. Free before 8pm, £3 before 10pm and £4 after.

Sunday - the ultimate party
It's just another manic Sunday! A night of music and mayhem. Featuring the most popular music, guest artists, giveaways, drinks promotions and the fabulous Jaks crew. Free admission all night.

Jaks cheesie music, bar staff dancing on the bar's, live entertainment on the stage and some of the best party songs ever played, made sure that everyone who was in there really knew it was the best party in town.

The stage was regularly graced by countless chart toppers from Leo Sayer to Shola Ama, Basshunter to Jason Donovan. Major events were frequently sold out.

After several closures and reopenings the doors finally to one of Coventry's longest-running and most successful nightclubs during June 2023 closed after years of constantly packing the dance floor with singing and dancing. It reopened briefly for a small number of special events but it was announced it had gone into administration in January 2024.