It was around six years ago that Rachael Purdy and Luke Hinton were sitting in a pub, twiddling their thumbs.

“We were just chatting and it was like, there’s nothing going on in the local area,“ says promoter Rachael, “there’s no music scene, no one’s putting bands on.

“We were just bored really with the lack of things to do – so we thought let’s just give it a go.“

With that Juicebox was born, and the pair have been putting on gigs in Watford, St Albans, Bedford and Hemel ever since. Their nights have seen the likes of The View, The Holloways, Tribes, Dodgy, Turin Brakes and Friendly Fires perform in intimate local venues.

“You have to really love it to do it because it’s long hours, a lot of pressure and stress,“ says Racheal. “It took a few years to really take off and really get to that level where we could put on bigger acts.

“Then we had the likes of The View, which for us was – this is what it’s all about! We turned around to each other and there’s this line, in the View song Same Jeans, ’you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve in a year’, we just used to sing that to each other all the time!“

On Saturday, March 30 they return to Watford after a long break, with a gig at the venue where it all started. Juicebox’s first ever show was at The Flag in 2007, with The Barker Band, The Raid and Underview.

“We couldn’t see that it was going to take off in the way it did,“ says Rachael. “It was all trial and error in the beginning – but it just sort of worked.

“People sit around and moan about nothing happening, but when you actually go out there and give something a go you can actually achieve it and make it work.

“What we set out to do in the beginning is now happening, so it’s great.“
The Flag gig sees Underview, Michael Hunt, Idol Bones and Fort Hope on the bill and it is sure to be a celebratory night of music.

“There’s been times where I’ve met my heroes, people I consider legends from when I was a teenager – I’m getting to meet them now, that for me makes it worth it.

“We’ve learnt loads, so much. It’s not just a case of booking the bands and hoping people will turn up – you’ve got to get it out there, do the legwork.“
After a hugely successful first few years, what does the future hold for Juicebox? There are plans to spread the brand to other towns and eventually put on bigger shows in bigger venues.

“That’s what it’s all about – being able to put on the big shows,“ says Rachael. “I don’t see why that isn’t achievable if we’ve done what we have so far.“

“You’ve got to carry on and pick yourself up  You’ve just got to keep going, no matter how difficult it gets.“

Juicebox returns to The Flag, Watford on Saturday, March 30 from 8pm. Details: www.juiceboxindie.com