How to Set Up Your Marquee

Although marquee installation may look straightforward from the outside, the process involves structural assembly, anchoring, and detailed finishing work that must be carried out correctly for safety and stability. This guide explains how our marquees are set up, so you can understand the steps involved — but for insurance and safety reasons, South East Marquees always carries out the installation. We are not able to hire marquees on a “self-assembly” basis, and we do not permit customers to erect our structures themselves.

1. Assembling the Frame

Every structure begins with the framework. Our marquees use strong metal components that interlock to form the main roof section and upright supports. These sections must be assembled in a specific order to ensure that the weight of the structure is supported correctly. Once the roof frame is built, the legs are secured and lifted into place, creating the full skeleton of the marquee.

2. Securing and Weighting the Structure

Once the frame is upright, it must be anchored. Depending on the ground conditions, this may involve stakes driven into soft ground or heavy weights placed strategically around the marquee. Proper anchoring is essential to prevent movement in wind or adverse weather, and it is only performed by trained staff. Incorrect weighting or anchoring can lead to structural failure, which is why our team handles this step exclusively.

3. Fitting the Linings and Covers

With the structure secured, the linings and PVC covers are fitted. These sections are tensioned evenly across the framework to ensure a smooth, professional finish. Interior finishes such as marquee linings and window walls are then attached. All seams and joins are aligned precisely so the marquee is weather-resistant, tidy, and stable.

4. Draughtproofing and Sealing with Velcro Seams

Draughtproofing is an important part of the installation. The wall panels and entrances are connected using reinforced Velcro seams, which help to minimise draughts, prevent heat loss, and ensure the covers sit neatly against the frame. This step also protects lighting, flooring, and interior setups from exposure to outdoor conditions.

5. Installing Flooring and Finishing Touches

After the structure is enclosed, flooring is installed. This may include hard marquee flooring for an even base, or marquee carpets depending on the event. Flooring is cut and fitted around legs and anchorage points to create a clean finish. Once complete, additional items such as marquee lighting and electricals, tables and chairs, and other features are added as required.

Why We Always Carry Out the Setup

For safety, insurance, and structural reasons, customers cannot set up our marquees themselves. Incorrect installation — even in a small step — can cause instability or damage, especially in wind or uneven ground conditions. Our team is trained, insured, and experienced in fitting marquees to industry standards, ensuring every event space is safe, stable, and ready for use.

See How It’s Done

Below is a gallery showing our team setting up a marquee from start to finish, giving you a clear visual overview of the full installation process.