How to Keep a Marquee Cool in Summer: A Complete Guide
Planning a summer wedding, garden party, corporate function or festival? A marquee is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while staying protected from the elements. But when the sun’s out in full force, keeping your marquee cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. At South East Marquees, we offer expert marquee hire across Surrey and Sussex, with smart cooling, ventilation, and shading solutions to help your event stay relaxed and refreshing—even during a heatwave.
Choose the Right Marquee for Warm Weather
The structure you select makes a big difference. Clear Span marquees are particularly well suited to summer thanks to their open-sided design, allowing air to circulate freely. Party tent marquees also work well in hot weather, offering shade without excessive heat build-up. For best results, always opt for white or light-coloured materials, which reflect sunlight and help maintain a cooler interior.
Encourage Airflow and Ventilation
Airflow is essential for keeping a marquee from overheating. Open-sided designs are ideal, allowing for natural ventilation and minimising heat retention. Positioning the marquee to take advantage of breezes and using multiple access points can significantly improve cross-ventilation. For events in Crawley, Reigate, or Redhill, we’re happy to advise on the best orientation for comfort.
Add Shade with Linings and Accessories
Marquee linings offer more than style—they provide extra insulation that helps block the sun’s intensity. Side panels with windows can offer shade while still allowing in light, and external canopies or linked gazebos provide additional shaded areas for breakout spaces or bar service. Whether you're hosting in Lingfield or Horley, our team can suggest the right accessories to keep guests cool.
Use Professional Cooling Equipment
Larger events may benefit from portable cooling equipment. Industrial fans and air movers help to circulate air, while evaporative coolers offer an eco-friendly way to lower temperatures using water. For premium events such as weddings or corporate launches, portable air conditioning units can maintain a consistently comfortable temperature throughout the day. These solutions are popular for marquee events in Oxted, Burgess Hill, and beyond.
Consider Smart Layout and Seating
Heat builds up more easily in cramped spaces. To reduce this, space out seating to encourage airflow between tables. Choose light-coloured tables and chairs, which absorb less heat, and consider creating shaded lounge zones outside the marquee as a cooling retreat. For events in Haywards Heath or East Grinstead, we’ll help you design a layout that balances function and comfort.
Provide Cold Drinks and Refreshments
Hydration is vital at summer events. Our drinks bar hire comes with everything you need to serve cold drinks, mocktails, or even chilled Prosecco. You might also consider offering iced water stations or adding an ice cream or sorbet cart to help guests beat the heat. Whether you’re hosting in Horsham or Banstead, we can ensure your refreshments stay chilled and inviting.
Light Up for Evening Comfort
As the sun sets, thoughtful lighting helps maintain a welcoming atmosphere. Marquee lighting and electricals can be configured with soft, ambient solutions that provide glow without excess heat. Lanterns, fairy lights, and LED uplighting are all excellent choices for evening events in Billingshurst and beyond.
Book a Summer-Ready Marquee with South East Marquees
All our marquees are customisable for summer use, with options for ventilation, shading, and cooling as part of our full setup and takedown service. With a 20% deposit to secure your booking and full payment due ten days before the event, we make the process simple from start to finish.
We supply marquee hire throughout Surrey and Sussex, including Horley, Oxted, and Lingfield. Our team is on hand to help you plan a comfortable, stylish space that keeps your guests cool and your celebration stress-free.
Plan your perfect summer event with South East Marquees today.