Peg and pole marquees
The traditional white marquee, from a small 25 sqm tent to one that seats 1,100 guests at round tables or 2,500 on chairs.
What it is
A peg and pole marquee is canvas, or more recently PVC, held under tension by centre poles, side poles and guy ropes or ratchet straps, tied to stakes hammered into the ground.
The traditional white canvas marquee is the most beautiful tent there is. The modern PVC version is easier to clean and lasts longer.
Standard sizes run from 5 x 5 m to 15 x 95 m. Marquees suit weddings, year-end functions, product launches, birthdays, sports events, expos, concerts and VIP lounges.
Where it works
The stakes go into soft ground only, such as lawn or a field, and the tent needs room round it for its pegs and ropes.
Most of our marquee work is in Gauteng, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Free State, within 500 km of Johannesburg.
Sizes and seating
Plan your size with the tent planner, or use the table.
| Tent size | Floor area | Guests |
|---|---|---|
| 5 x 5 m | 25 sqm | 25 to 50 |
| 5 x 10 m | 50 sqm | 50 to 100 |
| 7 x 12 m | 84 sqm | 70 to 160 |
| 10 x 10 m | 100 sqm | 90 to 200 |
| 9 x 15 m | 135 sqm | 110 to 250 |
| 12 x 12 m | 144 sqm | 120 to 288 |
| 12 x 16 m | 192 sqm | 160 to 384 |
| 10 x 20 m | 200 sqm | 170 to 400 |
| 15 x 15 m | 225 sqm | 200 to 450 |
| 15 x 24 m | 360 sqm | 300 to 720 |
| 15 x 33 m | 495 sqm | 400 to 990 |
| 15 x 42 m | 630 sqm | 500 to 1,260 |
| 15 x 51 m | 765 sqm | 600 to 1,530 |
| 15 x 60 m | 900 sqm | 700 to 1,800 |
| 15 x 69 m | 1,035 sqm | 800 to 2,000 |
| 15 x 78 m | 1,170 sqm | 900 to 2,200 |
| 15 x 87 m | 1,305 sqm | 1,000 to 2,500 |
| 15 x 95 m | 1,425 sqm | 1,100 to 2,500 |
This table is a guide to choosing a size. The team confirms the size and quotes for your event.
From our events
Questions
What is the difference between a marquee and a frame tent?
A marquee is the traditional peg and pole tent, with poles in the middle and round the sides, secured with pegs. It takes very large numbers of guests and suits outdoor areas.
A frame tent is lighter, with an aluminium frame. It seats fewer people than the largest marquees, but it goes up where space is limited and on wood, grass, concrete or tiles.
How do I work out the size of tent I need?
Start with the number of guests and how they will sit: round tables, rectangular tables, or chairs only. Then add what else goes inside: a head table, a buffet, the bar, a dance floor, a podium. The tent planner uses our seating tables to give you a size, and the team confirms it with you against your budget and the space you have.
What else should I think about before the tent goes up?
First the surface the tent goes up on, then the space you have. A peg and pole marquee needs room round it for its pegs; a stretch tent usually does too, although pegs are not always used. A frame tent needs very little room round it. Think about where power cables will run, any slope or trees, and how the crew and their vehicles will reach the site.
Can I make a fire under the tent?
No. Open fires under a tent top are dangerous. Set up the braai or a fire area far enough away from the tent to keep your guests safe.
Are the tents waterproof?
Yes, the tents are made from waterproof canvas. In extreme weather, such as heavy wind, hail or an electrical storm, guests should always move into a brick building.