Can I Hire a Marquee for a Wiltshire School or Corporate Event?

Marquees are ideal for school and corporate settings because they allow you to build a temporary venue on your own grounds. This avoids venue hire restrictions and makes the event easier for staff, pupils, parents or attendees to reach.

Key Benefits

• Works on sports fields, playing courts, lawns and hardstanding
  • Allows you to set your own timings and avoid venue curfews
  • Ideal for large audiences such as staff teams, year groups or client guests
  • Offers weather protection for summer or winter events
  • Flexible for staging, presentations, dining, networking and exhibitions

You can get a feel for the craftsmanship, safety standards and local experience through the company’s background on about us.

What Types of Events Can Use a Marquee?

Both schools and businesses in Wiltshire use marquees for a wide range of events.

For Schools

• Speech days
  • Prize giving and award ceremonies
  • Proms and leavers’ balls
  • Sports days and summer fairs
  • Open evenings and parent events
  • Seasonal celebrations and fetes

For Corporates

• Staff summer parties
  • AGMs and presentations
  • Product launches
  • Training days and workshops
  • Networking events
  • Press days and exhibitions

Because these events vary greatly, Wiltshire venues — from village greens to academy lawns — suit different marquee styles. More ideas can be found by browsing where you can host a marquee event in Wiltshire, which applies equally well to non-wedding events.

What Type of Marquee Works Best for School and Corporate Events?

Different structures offer different advantages depending on your audience size and event type.

Traditional Canvas Marquees

Perfect for elegant, formal or celebratory occasions such as school speech days or awards evenings. Their classic look feels polished and instantly elevates the event atmosphere. Explore options at traditional marquees.

Pavilions and Frame Tents

Ideal for corporate functions, exhibitions or events requiring zoned areas such as stages, breakout spaces or catering tents. These structures work well on uneven ground and offer a clean, modern look. Learn more at pavilions and frame tents.

Choosing the Right Size

Capacity is a key consideration. Use the guidance at what size marquee you need for a Wiltshire event to estimate space for seated audiences, standing crowds, staging, dining areas and circulation routes.

Do Schools and Organisations Need Permits or Licences?

Wiltshire Council provides clear event guidelines. Most school and corporate marquee events need only basic permission processes, but it is important to check early.

Temporary Event Notices (TENs)

You may require a TEN if you plan to serve or sell alcohol, host amplified music or run an event with significant public attendance. Full details are available on the Wiltshire Council website:

https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/1929/Temporary-Event-Notice-TEN

Planning Permission

Most marquees used for fewer than twenty-eight days do not require planning permission. Schools and corporates usually fall within this timeframe.

Insurance and Safety

Any professional marquee company should provide:
• Public liability insurance
• Risk assessments
• PAT testing for electrical equipment
• Structural safety documentation

This is essential for safeguarding pupils, staff, clients or guests.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Marquee in Wiltshire?

Costs vary depending on the size, style and complexity of your event. Corporate and school events often require seating, staging, lighting and flooring, which influence pricing.

A full cost breakdown is available at how much it costs to hire a marquee in Wiltshire.

Typical Budget Tiers

Low budget:
Suitable for staff briefings, workshops or simple covered events. Basic flooring, minimal lighting, functional layout.

Medium budget:
Ideal for school ceremonies and corporate entertainment. Full flooring, heating, staging, PA system areas, décor lighting.

Higher budget:
For premium launches, gala evenings or exhibitions. Larger structures, multiple tents, luxury furniture, bespoke lighting, impressive entrances.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plan a Wiltshire School or Corporate Marquee Event

Below is a practical roadmap that suits most mid-size or large events.

Step 1: Assess Your Site and Event Requirements

Before choosing a marquee, you need to evaluate your venue.

Site Assessment Checklist

• Space for marquee, catering tent and staff areas
  • Ground conditions (slopes, drainage, access)
  • Power supply or generator location
  • Traffic flow for buses or staff cars
  • Emergency vehicle access
  • Nearby neighbours (noise considerations)

A professional site visit is highly recommended, especially for large school fields or corporate car parks.

Step 2: Create a Clear Timeline

A structured timeline reduces stress and ensures that no detail is missed.

6–12 Months Before

• Confirm your event date
  • Book your marquee supplier
  • Arrange staging, lighting and AV needs
  • Reserve additional facilities (lavatories, generators)

3 Months Before

• Finalise layout, seating and décor
  • Confirm catering or refreshments
  • Assess accessibility routes
  • Check licence or TEN requirements

6 Weeks Before

• Confirm guest or attendee numbers
  • Walk the site with all suppliers
  • Arrange signage and parking
  • Review risk assessments and safety documents

1 Week Before

• Confirm delivery schedules
  • Recheck access paths
  • Final equipment tests (power, lighting, AV)
  • Prepare briefing notes for staff or volunteers

Step 3: Plan Your Layout, Staging and Accessibility

Your layout should support your audience size and event purpose.

Layout Considerations

• Stage positioning
  • Viewing lines for audiences
  • Space for wheelchairs, pushchairs or SEN access
  • Catering and refreshment zones
  • Walkways and exit routes
  • Staff operational zones

Accessibility

Schools and corporates must cater for diverse needs. Consider:
• Firm flooring for mobility access
• Clear, wide pathways
• Accessible lavatories
• Quiet breakout areas for neurodivergent attendees

Step 4: Weather-Proofing Your Event

Wiltshire weather can be unpredictable. Being prepared helps keep guests comfortable and your event professional.

Wet-Weather Planning

• Raised flooring or matting
  • Sidewalls for wind protection
  • Covered walkways to key buildings
  • Heating for colder days

Hot-Weather Planning

• Ventilation panels
  • Shade areas outside
  • Fans inside the structure
  • Hydration stations for guests

Step 5: Coordinate Suppliers and Safety Requirements

School and corporate events involve multiple teams. Clear communication is essential.

Supplier Vetting Questions

• Do you have public liability insurance?
  • Are your electrical items PAT tested?
  • What is your arrival and setup time?
  • Do you require staff to escort you on site?
  • Do you operate safely around children? (Schools only)

For further support with event logistics, explore the available services.

Step 6: Catering, Facilities and Guest Comfort

Food, drink and general comfort must be planned carefully.

Catering Considerations

• Dedicated catering tent with power
  • Dietary requirement planning (allergens, vegetarian, halal)
  • Serving flow to avoid queues
  • Clear waste disposal areas

Facilities

• Luxury lavatory units for large events
  • Handwashing and hygiene stations
  • Coat and bag storage areas
  • Staff management points

Step 7: Sustainability for Schools and Businesses

More organisations are prioritising environmentally conscious event choices.

Eco-Friendly Options

• LED lighting
  • Local suppliers to reduce transport
  • Reusable or compostable tableware
  • Recyclable décor and signage

This is especially important for schools encouraging sustainability practices.

Final Event Checklist

Use this simplified checklist during your final week:

• Confirm all transport and parking details
  • Review safety and accessibility plans
  • Test power, lighting and AV
  • Check weather forecast and make adjustments
  • Prepare staff or volunteer briefing notes
  • Reconfirm marquee setup times
  • Ensure clear signage for guests

Ready to Hire a Marquee for Your Wiltshire Event?