A live music venue is almost ready to reopen – only a couple of weeks after management thought they had shut for good.
Following talks with its landlord, The Horns has confirmed it will be welcoming customers again from this Friday (November 18).
But the long-term future remains up in the air with a £50,000 debt needing to be cleared and terms of a new lease to be agreed.
The pub announced it had shut "for the last time" on October 30 but general manager Jane Giles indicated she would fight to keep The Horns running. After confirming its reopening, she hopes a fundraising page and a host of events lined up can set The Horns on the path to a “sustainable” future.
Read more: Readers share their best memories at The Horns
Jane says she is looking into converting The Horns into a community interest company (CIC), which could help reduce “strenuous” bills and make it eligible for potential funding.
The venue was already struggling before Covid and almost closed in 2020 but Ms Giles and her mother Jan managed to keep paying the bills “by the skin of their teeth”.
But with energy prices “doubling”, the impact of Covid, and low footfall, The Horns has found itself with a large debt to clear.
Read more: The Horns live music venue and pub launches £50k fundraiser
Jane said: “It's vital we raise as much money as we can. This will allow us to pay off the 50,000 debt accumulated and allow us to turn into a CIC and make ourselves sustainable, keeping The Horns alive for many years to come.”
Jane, who took over the business in 2015 having previously been bar manager, continued: “We have set up a Go Fund Me page along with fundraiser gigs to help. Our bands and DJs have been incredible and are supporting us more than I could have ever imagined.
“They are donating a free gig and 100% of ticket sales to The Horns fundraiser,.
“I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to our wonderful, loyal staff, customers, bands and DJs. We couldn't do it without you!
“We will be opening again to save The Horns on November 18 with our first fundraiser.”
Details of fundraising gigs can be found on the pub's Facebook page and website.
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