The manager of a renowned Watford live music venue says she is still “fighting” to keep it open.

The Horns announced the “heartbreaking” news on Tuesday that it had closed on Sunday, October 30 “for the last time”.

A post published on the Horns Facebook page stated: “Our lease runs out in November and we can’t afford it keep it running anymore - it’s totally unsustainable.”

The news was met with a wave of sadness by those who have performed and partied at the venue over the years.

Read more: The Horns announces it has closed its doors 

But in a fresh update late on Wednesday, The Horns' Jane Giles announced she was not giving up on the venue yet.

She wrote: “Firstly I would like to thank you all for your extraordinary support.

“I’ve a meeting with the brewery on Friday (November 4). I can’t answer anyone’s questions until then.

“But I need you to know I’m still fighting for the venue. I always have and I always will as I love this place with all my heart and I’ll do all I can to keep music live.

“I’ll keep you updated when I know more.”

Ms Giles reiterated she does not want to speak any further at this time when contacted by the Watford Observer. The company that owns The Horns has also been approached for comment.

In her original post, Ms Giles, who took over in 2015, said the impact of the pandemic, rising energy bills and changing consumer habits meant she was “fighting a losing battle”.

Watford Observer:

The Horns was already struggling pre-Covid, and following an unsuccessful attempt to find an investor, it warned it could have shut by Christmas 2020.

Read more: The Horns in Watford appeals for investor

Read more: The Horns in Watford launches campaign to save it from closing

However, a Crowdfunder in partnership with the Music Venue Trust helped raise around £8,000.

The Music Venue Trust chief executive Mark Davyd told the Observer losing The Horns is a “bitter blow”, especially because it was run with “such a dedicated community spirit and ethos”.

He continued: “It is incredibly hard to bring a venue back into operation after it has closed, but Music Venue Trust will explore any possibility to try to restore music to this building.”

Watford Observer: The live music stage at The Horns The live music stage at The Horns (Image: Mark Crowley)

Mr Davyd said the Government needs to do more to help businesses like live music venues survive.

He said: “We have repeatedly warned central government that a series of apparently unrelated decisions on tax, business rates, VAT, licensing and planning has created the economic conditions where it simply isn't possible to sustain a venue like The Horns.

“We have the highest rate of taxation and premises charges on our grassroots music venues anywhere in Europe. Government can make a decision to change that and to give venues like The Horns the chance of survival.”

The Department for Culture has been approached for comment.

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