Construction
Book the right marquee at the right time with these top tips
January 5, 2022
By Trafalgar Team

When you need extra space for your school, construction site or business, you need it quickly and you need the right size space. The great thing about choosing a marquee, rather than, for example a portacabin, is the flexibility. They can be whatever size and configuration you need. We’ve put together a few top tips to help you right at the beginning of the planning process, when you’re thinking about booking your marquee. Don’t forget, if you can’t find the answer below, we’re also just at the end of the phone line, so do get in touch and tell us all about your plans.

When to book…

If you’re looking to hire a marquee to cover a construction project or a house extension, then it’s a good idea to factor this in right at the start of the planning process, if you can. We have a huge variety of marquees available all year round and we can supply and put up our marquees in as little as 48 hours, if required. That being said, to guarantee the marquee you want at the right time, it’s best to book as early as possible.

Our peak times are usually April to September and over the Christmas period, so if you’re looking for extra space for your bar, cafe or restaurant for summer or the festive season then it’s best to get in touch as soon as you can. This also applies if you’d like additional classroom space for the winter months. We suggest giving us a call between six to 12 months before your chosen start date to get the ball rolling.

5 key things to consider

Below are a few things to think about when choosing your marquee.

1. Your location

Where do you want your marquee to go? We have marquees in all shapes and sizes, to suit most locations. They can be built over grass or hardstanding without any groundworks, so there will be no disruption or damage to the surroundings. A marquee can also be secured to the side of a building, put over decking or put up inside a large internal space like this one. They can also go on your rooftop! Even the trickiest space, one with limited access, can be covered with a temporary, bespoke structure. Initially we’ll send our experienced team for a site visit, where they’ll get an approximate idea of the size of the area, the surface the marquee will sit on and how level it is, before making recommendations.

2. What you’re using it for

The size of your project or the number of people you intend to use the space will have the most impact on the size of the marquee needed. Also, do you want standing or sitting space? As a general rule of thumb, you need a minimum of eight square feet per person for a standing event and 15 square feet per person if they’re seated, for example in a classroom, restaurant or cafeteria setting like this one.

3. Any additional requirements

For example, will you need catering space? Are the existing toilet facilities adequate or will you need to add more? Dependent on the time of year, you might also want to consider any heating or air-conditioning needs, too. These are all things our team can help you with, of course, and we can talk you through the many options to suit your needs and your site.

4. Other activities

Think about what else the space will be used for. Do you need a stage or a dance floor? Do you need changing rooms for construction staff or storage space in a temporary classroom for equipment and bags? If your marquee will be used in an entertainment setting, such as a bar or cafe, you might want to allow for some social distancing space to keep staff and customers comfortable.

5. One big space or a mix of smaller ones?

Last but not least, think about how you want to use the space. Would you prefer one big space or a selection of smaller more intimate ones? For example, if your marquee is being used as a canteen area, you could also have a smaller breakout area with comfy seating. If you want temporary classroom space, it’s often a good to have the option to separate off parts of the marquee for smaller groups or for a relaxation area.

The flexibility of a marquee really is second to none, and it’s the ideal way to create some additional space that’s tailored to your exact needs. Space that’s the perfect size and in the perfect location. Plus, once you get the key decision on size sorted, you can then have fun adding lighting, furnishings and more to make your space just right.

So, once you have your start date and you know roughly how you want to use your marquee, give us a call on 01932 620060 and we will work with you to find exactly the right one for your event

Chat with me Jamie
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Brand Tudgay
The Bespoke Furniture Company

Fantastic support to us
Trafalgar Structures have been a fantastic support to us since we reopened after lockdown. The provision of a high quality marquee to help facilitate our opening strategy meant we could cater for adult and child classes whilst following the required government guidance. The service and workmanship from the team was first class and the team were always happy to help out if any issues arose and amendments to the marquee were needed. I look forward to working with the team again and would fully recommend for any marquee needs

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The Lid on the Lawn
‘The Lid on the Lawn’ installed by Trafalgar Structures enabled us to reopen safely after the July 2021 easing of the government guidelines, within 10 days we had a fully operational table service outdoor restaurant. Such has been the successful transformation of the outside space, we have kept the marquee for a longer term hire. The demand for outdoor dining and eventing has increased exponentially and the marquee has enabled us to confidentially offer weather proof ‘outdoor events’. This is now a permanent fixture with an additional full takeaway facility for visitors to the estate. Team Trafalgar are always on hand and have also reacted extremely quickly to the last minute nature of corporate event enquiries. Many thanks.

Jeannette Simpson
COO, Denbies Wine Estate LTD

I cannot find fault in anything they did

We used Trafalgar Structures at the start of lock down. We were very fortunate to be able to remain fully working however, as everyone did, we had to make some major adaptions on our site to accommodate the 2m distancing. I came across Trafalgar Structures and I found them to be extremely helpful, knowledgeable and helpful. We had constant changes to the brief but that didn’t matter to James and his team, they were very accommodating and continued to be very helpful and help fulfil the works we required as well as give a lot of suggestions to make this work. The team that erected/ dismantled the marquee were extremely professional and friendly and helpful throughout the 2 days. I would highly recommend Trafalgar Structures and I would certainly use them again. I cannot find fault in anything they did. Thank you all so much for your help and guidance

Logistics Manager
Clipfine Limited

Trafalgar Structures came to the rescue when the school needed additional outdoor teaching and testing facilities during the Covid pandemic. The cost of hire was extremely competitive and more than reasonable, particularly when you consider their services are much in demand. From the MD to the installers on the ground they were easy to deal with – nothing was too much trouble. Even last minute changes, and their after sales service was just as good. Its not every day you hire a marquee, but if I have to in the future, Trafalgar will be my first port of call. A huge thank you to James and the team!

Neil Lowe
Lady Eleanor Holles school