One of the most common things we hear from clients is: ‘But won’t a marquee be cold in winter?’ The answer is no, not if it’s planned properly. Our heated marquee hire solutions are designed to keep guests comfortable in all seasons, all year round. Whether you’re hosting an autumn conference, a Christmas party, a corporate dinner, or a long-term structure through the winter months, there are proven heating and insulation options that will keep your event warm, your guests happy, and your energy use as efficient as possible.
We care about how we heat our marquees as much as whether we heat them which is why we offer solutions that balance warmth, comfort, and environmental responsibility. For a full overview of our cold-weather solutions, visit our dedicated Winter Marquees page.
Start with the right insulation
The most energy-efficient approach to heated marquee hire begins with good insulation reducing heat loss before you even need to think about adding a heat source. For events and long-term hire through autumn and winter, we supply high-quality, insulated, hard-sided marquees as standard. These are a significant step up from a standard PVC structure in terms of heat retention.
For marquee hire throughout the autumn and winter we have a range of high quality, insulated, hard-sided marquees. On top of this we also supply specialised insulated linings, which regulate temperatures and reduce Co2 emissions. These lightweight, easy-to-install layers retain the heat in winter and the cool air in summer. As an added extra, we can even include a double-skinned, thermo insulated roof, for maximum effect. Alternatively, in the warmer months, our marquees can be equipped with full air conditioning. So, as the mercury rises, temperatures inside stay comfortable and cool.
Indirect warm air heating systems
The most common heating solution for larger marquees is indirect, thermostatically controlled heating that ducts warm air into the structure from outside. The heat source remains external, meaning no fumes or fuel smells inside the marquee and no loss of usable internal space. It’s efficient, controllable, and suitable for events of almost any size.
Hot water boiler systems for electric-only sites
Some venues, particularly schools, hospitals, and locations adjacent to indoor spaces, don’t permit diesel or gas-fired heating on site or having large bunded oil tanks can be inconvenient and difficult to manage, especially for long term marquee hire. In these cases, we work closely with our heating suppliers to design and install hot water boiler systems that run from the existing electricity supply.
For example, at Kingsdale Foundation School, a secondary school in South East London, we were asked to provide more teaching space during the pandemic. Due to health and safety
requirements onsite, electric heating rather than oil-fired heating was needed. We therefore worked closely with our heating supplier to fit a hot water system that worked within the confines of the electricity supply available. We installed a similar system for a primary school recently too (see photo).
Gas and patio heaters for open-sided spaces
Many of our hospitality clients: restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues book marquees with open sides leading out onto a terrace or courtyard. For these installations, direct gas or patio heaters are often the most practical option, providing localised warmth for guests moving between covered and open areas. They work particularly well for al fresco dining throughout the colder months.
Heated marquee hire in practice: real examples
During the pandemic (remember that!) the famous Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance approached us to create an additional dance studio, so the school could reopen safely during the pandemic. Our solution was a large marquee with hard sides, solid doors and all-important hard flooring that was suitable for dancing. The space was used through the winter term, so it was essential that it was well insulated too, and equipped with the right heating solutions to keep temperatures pleasant.
Both before and after that “fun” time, we’ve provided dance floors a plenty for events taking place throughout the year. 
What about summer? Air conditioning for warm-weather events
Keeping a marquee comfortable is not just a winter challenge. During a hot spell, marquees can become very warm particularly at lunchtime events or in direct sun. We can equip any suitable marquee with full air conditioning, giving guests a cool and comfortable environment even in the height of summer. The same insulated linings that retain heat in winter help keep cool air in during summer, making them a year-round investment.
Planning a heated marquee event?
Whatever time of year your event falls, we’ll make sure your marquee is warm, comfortable, and fit for purpose. Our team has been delivering heated marquee hire solutions across London, Surrey, and the South East since 2011, and we’re happy to talk you through the options in detail.
Start with our Marquee Hire Calculator for an initial cost estimate, then call us on 01932 620 060 or get in touch and we’ll walk you through our heating and insulation solutions. For more on our winter-specific offering, visit our Winter Marquees page.
