Couple Turns Wedding Venue Into Their Dream Music Hub

Luke and Rachel Hinton have a special connection to The Horn, a well-known music venue in St Albans. In 2015, after getting married at the local register office, they celebrated their wedding at The Horn, cutting their cake in the bar and sharing their first dance in the live music room. For nearly two decades, the couple has been involved in promoting shows at the venue, helping to bring live music to their community. Now, they have taken their passion a step further by becoming co-owners of The Horn, alongside former general manager Shane Smith and his partner, Abbie Whitrow.

The opportunity to take over The Horn came when the previous owner, Adrian Bell, decided to step away from running the venue. Instead of selling it to someone who might turn it into a different kind of business, he offered the chance to the staff who had been dedicated to the venue for years. Luke was worried that a new owner might change The Horn into a trendy pub for commuters, since it is located right next to a train station. By taking on the lease themselves, Luke, Rachel, Shane, and Abbie are making sure The Horn stays a grassroots music venue, where local bands and new artists can get their first chance to perform on stage.

The Horn has a rich history, having hosted live music since the 1960s. Many famous acts, including U2, Bastille, Tom Grennan, and Declan McKenna, played there early in their careers. Luke started his own company, Juicebox Live, in 2007 to promote shows across eastern England, and since 2013, his company has organized all of The Horn's original music events. But Luke and Rachel want The Horn to be more than just a place for bands to play. They hope to help develop the next generation of music promoters and behind-the-scenes talent. Luke believes that having a team with different musical interests will make the venue even better. He also works as a consultant for the Music Venue Trust, supporting grassroots venues across the country. For Luke and Rachel, owning The Horn is a dream come true, and they are excited to keep it a place where music brings people together.