A live music venue in Watford may have to close if it does not get the investment or financial support it desperately needs.

The Horns, by the town hall, is one of Hertfordshire's top live music venues and has hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry.

But while there is no shortage of acts queuing up to play, the venue and pub has experienced dwindling footfall for a while - and the coronavirus pandemic has only worsened the problems for mum and daughter Jan and Jane Giles, who own The Horns.

Last summer, the Giles appealed for an investor to help solve some of their financial woes and although people got in touch with the owners, and more people visited the venue, no investor was found.

The owners hope a new way will help raise the money they need to keep The Horns open.

Watford Observer:

A picture of the bar at The Horns, taken days before the Prime Minister announced lockdown

They have joined the #SaveOurVenue campaign - an initiative launched by the Music Venue Trust to help prevent the closure of hundreds of independent music venues across the UK.

The Giles have set a fundraising target of £18,000 on Crowdfunder to help cover the costs while the venue is closed and added in a host of rewards too for those who pledge some much-needed cash.

Before the pandemic, The Horns would be open most nights, and during the day, it would provide entertainment for local charities like Watford Mencap.

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Manager, Jane, said: "During the pandemic, our (financial) situation has been made considerably worse. Our venue faces closure.

"We are taking no money but still facing high running costs.

"The Horns has been keeping music live in Watford for many years - I've been at The Horns for 11 years and fell in love with the venue on day one.

"My mother and I took over The Horns in 2015 and have been supporting live music ever since.

"We would never want the place to change. It means the world to us and we would be deeply saddened if we faced closure.

"We are also still on the lookout of an investor that wants to support live music."

Watford Observer:

The stage at The Horns

Watford Observer:

Owners Jan and Jane Giles at a New Year event at The Horns

The Horns has benefitted from the business holiday rate freeze, but because the venue has a rateable value greater than £51,000 it is not eligible for any government grants.

The national music venue campaign, which The Horns has joined, has helped improve the outlook for a live music venue in St Albans.

A Crowdfunder for The Horn, near the city train station, has raised more than £30,000.

The Horns in Watford has set a target of £18,000 and also included some perks.

For example, a £20 pledge will see your name written on The Horns' 'Save Our Venues' wall.

Fifty pounds will get you a year's Horns membership for free entry on Friday and Saturday night.

And a £100 pledge will get you 15 Thursday tribute or any ticketed gigs of your choice.

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The Horns has hosted star names like Chas & Dave and Paul Young, and tribute bands like The Overtures

Jane added: "We would like to thank all our loyal supporters, customers and friends.

"We are offering some great rewards if you pledge to The Horns #SaveOurVenues fundraiser.

"Let’s do this and keep the Horns rocking."

To support The Horns' fundraiser, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/horns-watford-saveourvenue

If you are interested in investing in The Horns, or you a tradesmen that can help give the venue a bit of TLC, email hornswatford@gmail.com or call 01923225020.