Marquee Hire Trade accreditation - Best practice - Mutamarq
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Types of Marquee
A Guide for Private Events
A Guide for Public Events
All marquees systems are modular in length and are therefore categorized by type and width. A contractor will hold stocks of a number of modules of different widths. He can therefore build, for example, a 12m x 40m or a 12m x 20m by varying the number of modules used but using the same basic stock. Traditional marquees are usually in 10 ft or 20 ft modules (3 or 6m), frames are more often measured in metric sizes and are in modules of 3m or 5m.
There are two main categories of marquee - Traditional and Frame.
Traditional marquees go under a number of names, pole tents, soft tops, (Not to be confused with "Big Tops" or Circus Tents), or guyed marquees, but they all have one thing in common in that the main structural element is the cover itself. Most traditional marquees use cotton based fabrics as the covering, but PVC coated polyester is becoming more popular.
Whilst traditional marquees can be as wide as 120 feet, most contractors will switch to clear span aluminium structures for widths above 40 or 50 feet (12 or 15 metres).
Being relatively inexpensive and easy to erect, traditional tents are a popular choice for private functions and traditional venues such as agricultural shows etc. The combination of the traditional look and feel of pole tents and the breathability of natural fibres means that this type of tentage is far from having "had its day" and still represents about 30 to 40% of the market in the UK.
For some time, the difficulty in calculating the structural qualities of this type of tent looked as if it would prevent its continued use in the current climate of regulated safety, but MUTAmarq has done a lot of work and carried out many test procedures to ensure that this is not now the case. It is important however to be sure that your contractor erects the marquee correctly. The best way to achieve this is to always use a MUTAmarq contractor.
Frame marquees, where a semi rigid frame provides the structural stability, mostly use synthetic fabrics as a covering so as to avoid the problems created by shrinkage and expansion of natural fibres. Frames can be of wood, steel or aluminium tubing or, as is the case with most modern frames, box section aluminium. This latter type are often referred to as "Clear span" structures which can be in widths up to 50m with no intermediate pole supports (Hence the name "Clear span")
The uninterrupted internal space of frame structures makes them very popular for a wide variety of events from private functions, through corporate hospitality to large exhibitions.
Because they have a solid frame this type of marquee can accept a higher level of accessories, such as doors, windows, rigid side panels and sophisticated flooring systems. Consequently the move, of late, has been to an ever increasing standard of finish and internal comfort, so much so that many guests do not realize that they are actually in a "marquee". This level of sophistication, together with their structural stability has encouraged the recent trend to extend the traditional marquee season beyond the late summer into the winter and, indeed, the trade now erects marquees 12 months of the year.
Not all frame structures are inherently safe and there are many "Home made" varieties out there in the market place that are neither safe nor attractive. Whilst standards for structural stability do exist it is difficult for the authorities to police all events, particularly those on private property. MUTAmarq, in conjunction with the Institute of Structural Engineers, BSI, The Home Office and European bodies, has set up standards and an inspectorate to police its accredited contractors to ensure a high level of safety for the user and operator alike. This, alone, is reason enough to use MUTAmarq contractors exclusively for all your events.
Both types of marquee can be lined and dressed to a very high standard - consult your MUTAmarq contractor for advice on colours and trimmings.
Size is important.
Too many people crammed into a small place is both uncomfortable and unsafe, conversely too large a space can make your event seem under populated. The following table as a simple guide to determine the optimum size of structure required although reference should be made to our Code of Practice for occupancy calculations in relation to emergency exits
| Number of Guests | Standing | Seated Theatre Style | Seated at Long Tables | Seated at Round Tables (10 per 5ft round) | Banquet (8 per 5ft round) |
| 25 | 4m x 4m | 5m x 5m | 6m x 6m | 6m x 6m | 6m x 9m |
| 50 | 6m x 6m | 6m x 9m | 6m x 9m | 6m x 9m | 9m x 9m |
| 100 | 6m x 9m | 6m x 15m | 9m x 12m | 9m x 12m | 9m x 15m |
| 150 | 6m x 15m | 9m x 15m | 9m x 18m | 9m x 18m | 12m x 15m |
| 200 | 9m x 24m | 9m x 18m | 12m x 20m | 12m x 20m | 12m x 20m |
| 300 | 12m x 15m | 12m x 20m | 12m x 25m | 12m x 25m | 12m x 30m |
| 500 | 12m x 25m | 15m x 25m | 15m x 35m | 15m x 35m | 15m x 45m |
| 1000 | 15m x 35m | 20m x 40m | 20m x 50m | 20m x 50m | 20m x 60m |
| 2000 | 20m x 50m | 30m x 50m | 30m x 60m | 30m x 60m | 30m x 75m |
Add space for stage, dance floor, catering, reception, cloaks, toilets etc.
These figures are a guide only - consult your MUTAmarq contractor for specific advice.
Try to keep the length of the marquee to no more than 3 times the width to ensure maximum stability and to avoid a "tunnel" effect
The following checklist is provided to assist you in the planning and operation of your event. The list gives a brief outline of the points to consider and your contractor, as a MUTAmarq accredited supplier, is qualified to advise further.