Marquees: Then and Now

Various tents have been used for centuries as places of shelter and congregation.  A marquee is a very large tent used as a temporary building for special occasions such as corporate events, weddings, parties, and special celebrations. In the past, marquees were commonly used for circus performances, fairs, and banquets. Circus marquees were often attractively decorated with several colorful stripes to excite spectators.

 

Flags and other decorative elements were often fastened to the top of circus marquees to enhance the festive mood.  Traditional circus marquees were made of canvas and had a system of tiered seating around a ring for spectator viewing. Various performances such as acrobatic tricks, animal performances, and magic shows were introduced by a ringmaster.

 

During the middle ages, vast marquees were often erected during spring and summer festivals, for special royal banquets, and for knights and spectators to rest in during jousting tournaments. Medieval marquees were usually decorated with the colors and coat of arms of the various houses.  Marquees were traditionally made of canvas, but more modern variants are constructed from polythene or high quality PVC.

 

Modern day marquees are known as "party tents" and are common sites on parks and other open spaces during festive occasions. Most modern party tents and marquees are very expensive and require specialized equipment to erect. Thus, most organizers rent marquees and other party tents from tent rental companies. Many organizations own large marquee tents that span 9m to 45 m wide. However, expansive marquees need to be installed and maintained by qualified professionals.

 

 A party tent or marquee is held to the ground with tensioned ratchets or stakes. Pole marquees or pole tents, which can also be rented from tent rental companies, consist of a roof canopy supported by tall center poles tensioned using side lines connected to ground pins or stakes. The center poles are colloquially known as "king poles".

 

Originally, pole marquees were manufactured from cotton canvas covers and were supported by wooden poles and hessian rope. Modern pole marquees are largely made from modern materials such as PVC, with aluminum poles and nylon ropes providing support. Many tent rental companies rent out marquees that utilize the most durable and weather resistant materials.

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