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Stretch Tent Hire – 7 Things You Need To Know

Stretch Tent hire 7 Things You Need to Know

Considering hiring a stretch tent for your next event? Then there’s some things you need to know.

When you’re planning any event, the venue is an integral and very  important element of the show. . Get this wrong and the whole thing can be a bust. Get it right and you can have a hassle-free, successful event that people will talk about for years to come.

Stretch tents offer a unique, flexible and totally stunning  alternative event space solution for every type of event, from small back garden dinner parties and intimate weddings, to huge festivals and corporate launches.

So how do you know if a stretch tent is right for you?

This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about hiring a stretch tent and answer the most commonly asked questions. If your question isn’t answered here, or you’d like to get a quote for your stretch tent hire, then get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

1: What Is A Stretch Tent or Stretch Marquee?

Stretch tents, also known as stretch marquees, are a versatile alternative to traditional marquees and frame marquees. Made from completely waterproof, tensioned  fabric, designed specifically for this use, the canopy can be set up in an almost endless variety of shapes. Making stretch tents perfect for every kind of space; even the really awkward kind! Giving you an eye-catching venue and a professional, reliable structure. 

The stretch tent system consists of a clever, yet simple system consisting of  specialist freeform stretch fabric, poles and ropes to hold the canopy tight. Due  to the flexibility of these stretch marquees, stretch tent hire gives you almost unlimited setup options.

You can have a beautiful but simple canopy with no sides or a fully enclosed stretch marquee. You can even have a combination somewhere in between with some sides up and some sides down. The choice is yours.

What is a stretch tent

2: Are Stretch Tents Better Than Marquees?

Excellent question. I am a little biased, but I think the answer is yes. Here’s why:

While marquees are great, they are limited. They need a flat surface, plenty of space and they usually only come in one shape. Rectangular.

A stretch tent is much more flexible in style and functionality. Need an event space in an awkward location? No problem. Want to wow your guests with a memorable, dynamic event space ? You got it.

A stretch tent can be designed to suit any space. It can be large or small, white  or coloured. It can be a simple, traditional marquee shape or we can create a more unique and creative space to help you stand out.  We can rig stretch tents off existing buildings or structures, making the most of the space you have or extending your venue further.

The atmosphere inside a stretch tent is very different to a marquee. They don’t need much to bring them to life. The contours of the tent give it an aesthetically pleasing look just as it comes but add some simple decorations, such as uplighters or fairy lights, and you can create an incredible atmosphere. It is an inclusive structure which means that in contrast to a frame marquee a stretch tent lets you ‘include’ your environment. So if your event is located in a beautiful garden we can rig the tent so your locations is part of your space.

Finally, the material that stretch tents are made of is not the same as traditional marquees. It’s stretchy, completely waterproof fabric, giving a softer and warm interior without the need of additional liners or star clothes.

Are stretch tents better than marquees?

3: Is Your Event Space Suitable For A Stretch Tent?

One of the main benefits of stretch tent hire is that your stretch marquee can be designed around the space you have. Unlike traditional marquees, stretch tents are not limited by the ground-type, area or even overhead obstructions.

We can custom build your stretch tent around pillars and posts, fences and trees. We have small stretch tents for awkward spaces and super-sized combined stretch tents for huge events like festivals or brand launches. We can set up a stretch tent on gravel or grass, concrete or patios.

So in short, the chances are that yes, a stretch tent can be suitable for your event space and they are certainly more adaptable than traditional marquees – so if a stretch tent won’t fit in your space, no marquee will.

stretch tent hire things you need to know

4: Are Stretch Tents Waterproof?

One of the most common concerns people have when hiring a stretch marquee is whether they are watertight. The weather in the UK is unpredictable and very changeable at best. Basically, you have to be prepared for anything. You have bright sunshine in the morning, followed by rain in the afternoon and hailstones in the evening.

Stretch tents are fully watertight, strong and suitable for use in all weathers. There is even a video of a stretch tent surviving a hurricane.  But who wants to party in a hurricane!

The stretch tent fabric itself is fully waterproof and any seams are bonded using a special technique that ensures no leaks occur. The shape and style of stretch tents mean that should it rain, the water will not pool on the roof, instead it will run down onto the ground where it can drain away. Reducing the risk of leaks and ensuring the guests at your party or event stay cosy and dry.  

Are stretch tents waterproof

5: How Much Does Stretch Tent Hire Cost?

Stretch tent costs vary on the size and the location and the difficulty of the installation. Some companies may try to draw you in with initial cheap quotes, but these are often misleading because they can’t really give you an exact price without all the information. You need to look for a stretch tent specialist, as a lot of stretch tent manufacturers are selling cheap tents to marquee companies with no training. This is a big problem as stretch tents are very specialised.

Several things can influence the price of your stretch tent hire including the size of your stretch marquee, how long you want to hire it for, the travel distance, your location and if you opt for any internal decorations or additions such as a bar or lighting. There are so many options to choose from, we couldn’t possibly give you a set price. That’s the beauty of stretch tent hire. You get to create a bespoke party or event venue that’s unique to you and your needs.

The only way to get an exact price is to get in touch and ask for a quote. Our team of stretch tent hire experts will ask you some questions, then give you an exact price for your wedding, party or event.

6: What Size Stretch Tent Should You Hire?

Stretch tents come in a variety of colours and sizes. The stretch tent size you will need depends on what you will be using the stretch tent for, the location and the number of guests.

If you’re holding a wedding for 200 people, with a sit down meal and a disco in the evening then you’ll need more space than if you’re just holding a standing drinks event for the same number.

When you’re choosing the right stretch tent size for your event then it’s best to ask the experts. A good stretch tent hire company will ask you the right  questions, learn about your event and your plans, then advise you on the best stretch tent size to suit your needs.

If you’d like a little help with this then get in touch. We’ll be happy to advise you.

Custom Stretch Tent Events

7: Is Stretch Tent Hire Right For Your Event?

You might be thinking that stretch tents sound wonderful, but are they right for your event? The simple answer is yes. Whether you need a small canopy for your garden or a massive marquee for a large event, stretch tents can give you the perfect venue.

Corporate Events & Festivals

If you’re holding a large brand launch, corporate event or festival then a stretch tent can give you the flexible and memorable space you’re looking for. Not only can you choose a size and shape to suit your needs, but bespoke stretch tent hire lets you choose the colour of your marquee too, matching it in with your branding or tying it in with your event theme. You can even have your logo on your tent for a full branding experience!

Private Parties & Small Events

Small private events and parties can benefit from stretch tent hire too. Whether you’re holding your annual summer BBQ or a backyard dinner party, we can create a beautiful, watertight and functional space for your do. Stretch tents are ideal for awkward spaces, giving you the possibility of a marquee venue in an otherwise unusable space.

Weddings

If you’re looking for the perfect fairytale wedding venue then a stretch tent can give you a beautiful blank canvas that you can make truly unique for your big day. We’ve tents that can seat a small, intimate wedding, up to a full wedding party of several hundred people. Choose between sides up or sides down, and customise your stretch tent with fairy lighting, carpeting, bars, furniture, dancefloors and even heating to make your special day perfectly unique.

So if you’re holding an event, large or small, a stretch tent can give you the flexible, waterproof and eye-catching venue you need. Click here to contact us for a quote or to find out more.

 

2019 Season

Our 2019 is already filling up. We have a very high repeat client base that grows year on year. This, we feel, is due to our high standard of service and excellent products. We are also renowned for always going the extra mile for all our clients.

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The rest of our 2019 season is getting really rather busy, so please do get in touch on 01749 813313 or 07570 361282 if you would like to book one of our gorgeous stretch tents.

Do we sell stretch tents?

Most of our work comes from our clients hiring one or more of our Stretch Tents for a single event.

However, for different reasons, some clients require a long-term structure or a tent for multiple events. Sometimes they need a more permanent solution to the problem of weather cover.

Permanent Installations

As we wrote in last week’s blog, the English weather is a constant battle when you have an outdoor space, anyone who has ever hosted a barbecue will know this all too well! With that in mind, we can create a solution which combines outdoor and indoor spaces elegantly and beautifully.

Over the years we have designed, installed and maintained bespoke stretch tents for a number of clients. This is a great solution for bars, restaurants and clubs, as well as anyone who has an outdoor area they want to cover permanently.

One of our experienced team will go through the whole process with you; from initial site visits and measurements, through the design and installation, and also the long-term maintenance of their stretch tent.

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Multiple Events

Some clients want to buy a stretch tent, but rather than leaving it up for most of the year, they need it installed at a number of events. This is something we can also provide. Along with designing, the tent(s) to the client’s requirements, and setting it up for them at the events, we also supply storage in our warehouse, as well as cleaning and maintenance of the canopy itself as well as all of the rigging gear that is needed to set it up.

 

If you are looking to purchase a new or second-hand stretch tent, please get in touch using our contact page to speak to one of our friendly team.

How to deal with the English weather

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As I mentioned in my last post, the stretch tent system is at its best when set up as a canopy; to include and enhance the surrounding landscape. However, the great English weather doesn’t always allow us to do this, and put a bit of a dampener on proceedings!

As a company with a wide experience in both event management and stretch tents, we understand the need to make your party special, and guests being cold or wet isn’t conducive to that!

In the week running up to any event, we work with the client to work out the best option(s) dependent on the weather forecast. If the forecast is poor, then the best option is to lower one or more sides. However, this sometimes doesn’t work or simply isn’t possible, whether that is due to spacial requirements, or the need for entrances/exits. If this is the case, then we can construct custom sides on site as both a wind break, and to protect the guests from the rain.

As well as wind and rain, we understand how cold it can get during summer evenings. This is why we always offer our clients the options of hiring gas patio heaters from us for any event. Rather than blowing hot air into the tent, they provide a more direct heat. This is far more effective, especially when the tent is rigged as a canopy.

 

Why Hire a Stretch Tent?

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When we are asked by clients what the advantage of hiring a Stretch Tent over a more traditional form of weather cover is, I always think that there is no simple reason, and it depends enormously on the client and what they are looking for from their event as a whole, and the structure itself. However, I shall endeavour to simplify things for you into 3 categories.

Firstly, and most importantly, the Stretch Tent system is a thing of beauty. We have become so used to the traditional pole or frame marquee, that it is such a shock to the system to see someone’s event going on under a Stretch Tent. Their natural lines lend themselves to sitting much more naturally in the landscape, whether it be urban or rural. When you combine this with some great lighting and amazing interiors, it is difficult to understand why you would hire a marquee!

Secondly, Stretch Tents are designed to be set up as canopies. We can, of course, rig them with low sides or sides built on to keep out the rain or cold, but as a canopy they include and enhance their surroundings, rather than blocking you out from them. Why have an outdoor event when you are creating a space that shields you from the surrounding landscape?

Finally, they are inherently flexible! A clearspan or frame marquee has a specific footprint, and this cannot be changed or amended. When set up by an experienced team, Stretch Tents can be rigged off buildings, over existing structures and plants, as well as being able to cover spaces that are technically too small. Therefore, even the most tricky and difficult of spaces can be covered in the most beautiful and unique way.

If you need a Stretch Tent for any upcoming events, big or small, private or corporate, please get in touch by email (mail@cgsmevents.com) or by phone (07570361282) to chat to one of our experienced and friendly team.