Tents that are used for outside events or marquees are fairly common for big weddings, fairs, corporate hospitality events and other big social gatherings where the chance of being effected by the weather is always there. They are often made out of PE (polythene) or PVC, PVC being stronger than the other, these have mostly replaced the canvas that was used before due to the fact they are easier to clean giving them an extended life than the older substances.

Marquees can be found in a do it youself package up to around 20 feet (6m) wide these can be Pop up marquees taking little time to erect. 30 to 150 feet (9m to 45m) widths require expert equipment and skill to erect, so they must usually be hired or a course must be undertaken to ensure safe erection. Many companies own big (9m to 45m wide) marquee tents but have them installed and looked after by qualified experts. Most pole marquees are held down and tensioned with ratchets and/or stakes unless on concrete when weights are sometimes used to keep the marquee in place.

Whereas the earlier pole marquees used wooden poles to support the structure, many of the more modern marquees use an aluminium frame to hold them up. This is mainly due to the fact that they are better wearing, practical and versatile than wooden pole marquees. Wooden pole marquees on the other hand have a lovely feel to them that individuals sometimes prefer with the central ridge poles becoming a feature of the marquee. Aluminium marquees on the other hand are able to support the entire tent from the outside of the structure, leaving the internal space completely open for tables or dance floor, seating areas, swimming pool, etc.

If you go to your area market or business exhibition you will probably see a quantity of aluminium framed tents with high peaks. These have become quite fashionable of late being very effective at shedding water, cleaner looking, easy to instal and with less parts. Often Marquee’s can be used with other marquees allowing you to raise the area covered with the addition of guttering between to prevent any water getting in. There are a multitude of colours that can be chosen from when choosing a marquee and many marquees now have sky lights in them.

Tents have been used for centuries as simple covers, Temporary storage areas and nomadic homes but still have a place in modern life. As science takes more and more of a hand in how marquees are made and used it will be interesting to see how this simplest of structures will advance in the future.