Thinking about applying for your first festival pitch? Hopefully you’ve already seen our article, [Festival Pitches | how much they cost?](https://feast-it.com/magazine/festival-pitches-or-how-much-do-they-cost) and you’re now wondering is it going to be worth it? 

Like the cost of the pitch, the amount of money you can make at a festival depends on a range of factors. But don't worry if things feel a bit unclear, our expert team have worked on hundreds of events and are here to give you a rundown of festival costs and earnings potential.

If after reading this article you want to find out the best way to win a pitch at a festival you can read our guide [here](https://feast-it.com/magazine/how-to-win-festival-pitches).

### What’s happened at past events?

![Feast It London Pride Regents Street](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5OmwIXYxibf8nAQfyutyrv/27202a121f6a0e481fdc4ce590f16b4f/London_Pride_Parade_JPM-114.jpg)
London Pride is one of the largest events powered by Feast It, and the pitch fees can be just shy of £1,000. We've seen our traders make anything between £6,000 - £80,000, a great example of how earning potential can vary.

At smaller-scale events, like the Virgin Sport Hackey Half Marathon and the BHF Ride London, pitch fees are lower and cost between £300 - £500. But, earning potential is still high, and our traders have made between £2,000 - £60,000.

### Are there any common trends?
It’s anticipated that a popular vendor at a festival will sell their products to roughly 5% of the total attendees. Using this, and the reported pitch fee, as a guide, here’s how much you could make at three different sized festivals.

__Glastonbury__
- Attendance: 200,000
- Pitch fee: £18,000
- 5% of sales: 10,000 transactions
- Gross sales (£8 average transaction): £80,000
- Cost of goods sold (33% of transaction cost): £26,400
- Net income: £35,600

__Lattitude Festival__
- Attendance: 40,000
- Pitch fee: £6,000
- 5% of sales: 2,000 transactions
- Gross sales (£8 average transaction): £16,000
- Cost of goods sold (33% of transaction cost): £5,280
- Net income: £4,720

__Vision Festival__
- Attendance: 10,000
- Pitch fee: £250
- 5% of sales: 500 transactions
- Gross sales (£8 average transaction): £4000
- Cost of goods sold (33% of transaction cost): £1,320
- Net income: £2,430

For more examples of festival operating costs, including food, staff and marketing, check out [our guide to festival catering](https://feast-it.com/magazine/a-guide-to-festival-catering).

## What influences how much you can make?
![Feast It Toshka Festival](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5dEYtxfJOfz5CPgfaB0wyL/afa81e154c78db1474d572fd3a05b7a2/Toshka.jpg)

### Selecting the right events
It might be tempting to jump straight in with bigger festivals and events, but we advise to start small and work your way up. Build up your understanding of things like operating costs, portions served per hour, and how to stand out to potential customers. Then you'll get a better idea of whether an event is worthwhile for your business, and minimise any losses.

### Pitch fees
Pitch fees are what a festival or event organiser will charge you to sell your products. Fees are charged either at a flat rate, based on commission, or a combination of both. 

Check out our [guide to fesitval pitch costs](https://feast-it.com/magazine/festival-pitches-or-how-much-do-they-cost) for a full breakdown of the factors influencing a pitch fee.

### Festival attendance
The more people attending the festival, the larger the market is for you to sell to. If you’re thinking about buying a pitch, how many people will be attending the festival is the first question you need to ask yourself. 

A quick Google might do the trick, but if not its worth reaching out to the organisers, vendors that have previously set up there or any community groups of other suppliers you may be involved in.

### Competition
If you find yourself thinking “I really want a pitch at Glastonbury this year”, then the chances are similar suppliers will be thinking the same thing. Glastonbury has around 800 traders, over 400 of which are selling food.

Always ask the festival organisers how many traders are going to be there and if you can, dig deeper on the number that sell something similar to you. It’s okay if there are a handful of similar traders but this is where experience is key. Knowing how to outperform your competitors and attract more customers will certainly help de-risk the higher pitch fees at larger events.For some top tips on how to achieve this, you can read our guide to festival catering [here](https://feast-it.com/magazine/a-guide-to-festival-catering).

### Location
The location of your pitch will have a big impact on how much you might be able to sell at a festival or event. 

Always make sure you understand where your pitch will be located before you sign the contract. And remember that pitches cost more if they're in a prime location.

### Operating cost
We've said it before, and we'll say it again, knowing your operating costs is essential to understanding if an event is right for your business. Bear in mind cost of supplies, staff, parking, travel, pitch fees and deduct these from your final sales.


Feast It Festival Image

From Glastonbury to your local music festival, here's our insight on how much food suppliers can expect to make

How much do traders make at festivals?

Whether you've just started out in your street food venture or you want to take your business to the next level, you might be asking yourself "how much does a festival pitch cost?"

We've seen prices start from around £500 for smaller festivals and go up to about £15,000 for events like Glastonbury, so there is no definitive answer. But, our team of experts and our community of suppliers have worked at hundreds of events, and they're here to give you expert advice on what determines the price of a festival pitch.

![Feast It Leeds Fest Image](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5SX1moSi9DUfiuBz4UV8u6/57a69c1ed95d4c79264c2131d7d930fa/feast-it-leeds-fest-image.jpg)

If you find this useful be sure to check out our guide on [how to win festival pitches](https://feast-it.com/magazine/how-to-win-festival-pitches) too and remember, Feast It partner with dozens of festivals each year and we’re always looking for suppliers for events like London Pride and Lytham Festival. If you want to become part of our 1000+ community of suppliers, [apply to join Feast It today](https://feast-it.com/info/become-a-partner). 

---

## Different pricing models and ways of charging
Festival and event organisers adopt different ways of charging you to determine the cost of your pitch. Below are the most common examples:

### Fixed trader fee
Where the fee is determined by the variables such as pitch location, size and the type of product you serve. The trader will pay a one-off pitch fee to secure the spot. This is the most common way organisers will charge.

### A percentage of sales
Where organiser will ask for a percentage of your overall gross sales. For the festivals we’ve been involved in, this fee is usually around 10-15% of your sales but some of our suppliers have reported fees of up to 30%.

### A percentage of sales + fixed fee
This is perhaps the least common pricing model but arguable best for spreading the risk between organiser and supplier as fairly as possible. 

The supplier will pay a fixed upfront cost plus a percentage of the sales, usually between 3-10%. It works well since the final price is determined by what you sell but the organiser is guaranteed an upfront payment. 

---

## What influences the cost of a festival pitch?

### Pitch size
The size of the pitch will determine the cost. Smaller and cheaper pitch sizes typically start at 3x3m and are suitable for a business run from a stall or small vehicle. Bigger and more expensive pitches are suitable for a burger van or street food truck.

### Pitch location
![Feast It Hackney Half Pitch Set Up](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2vidUDLZU1lZynfV0mS3KN/5a84408d470c7f6ba63ee0401b727a93/Feast-it-hackney-half-pitch-set-up.jpg)
Event organisers will always consider the location of your pitch when determining the price. If you’re pitched in a high traffic area, like near the main stage at a festival, you’ll pay a premium for that spot.

### Your product
If your product is likely to sell in high volumes, like the more popular hot food stalls, you might be charged more for your pitch than a business selling more targeted products like smoothies. 

If you’re bidding on a pitch and the type of product you sell favours a lower pitch price, don’t be afraid to make a case for it if ever you find yourself negotiating on the cost of a pitch.

### How new the festival is
If a festival is new on the scene and building its reputation, its pitch cost will be much lower than that of a prestigious and well-known event.

Pitches are often won by bids so there’s room to haggle on price but be realistic. Work out your operating costs in advance of making a bid so you know what’s reasonable.For guidance on how to do this, you can read our [guide to festival catering](https://feast-it.com/magazine/a-guide-to-festival-catering).


Feast It London Pride Pitch Set Up

Ever wondered how much a pitch at Glastonbury will cost you? We've drawn from the experience of our suppliers to find out.

Festival pitches | How much do they cost?

If you run a food or drink business, you're not alone if you dream of one day having a pitch at a world-leading festival like Glastonbury. With crowds of over 200,000 and the average ticket-holder spending £450, the opportunity for vendors at Glastonbury, and the hundreds of other UK festivals, is huge.

But how do you actually win a festival pitch? We asked our supply base of over 1000 food and drink vendors to share their experience and useful tips for any first-timers.

### Do your research
Our first piece of advice is to do your research and make sure that you’re applying for a pitch at a festival that’s right for your business. Take a look at [our articles](https://feast-it.com/magazine/festival-pitches-or-how-much-do-they-cost) about the likely cost of pitches at large festivals and events, and how much you’re likely to make from them.

![feast-it-festivals](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4IfzWfcJVLEaR1qHBlbRUW/0d9600560b60b12a2987d028e533ac2e/feast-it-festivals__1_.png)

### Know where to apply
There are two main ways to apply for festival pitches. 

__Directly on the organiser’s website__
- Leading festivals like Glastonbury, Leeds and Reading BST Hyde Park have dedicated pages on their official websites where traders can apply for pitches.

__Through festival partners__
- In some cases, festival organisers will outsource to businesses like Feast It to help curate the food and drink line up. We then send out application forms to all our suppliers, and they apply directly through us.  To apply for festivals Feast It are invlolved in, you can [sign up and create an account.](https://feast-it.com/info/become-a-partner)

### Give yourself time
It’s common for the pitching process to start in the autumn for festivals taking place the following summer. Pitching is competitive, and some of our suppliers have been up against 3,000 other traders to win a handful of pitches. Given the sheer volume of applications festivals receive, it’s always better to start the process as early as you can.

### Understand the application process

![Festival Application Process](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5KB6jh7DYlpPRubm8tJijm/136fe8a5ae8f362c4768d78f05a1e405/application_process_for_festivals.jpg)

Whether applying directly to the festival or through a festival partner, the application process is pretty similar. They’ll always want to know;

1. Your contact details and business number
2. What kind of food/drink you sell
3. The dimensions of your stall
4. How many parking passes you’ll need
5. What your electrical requirements are
6. What prior experience you have
7. How many portions you can serve per hour
8. What your stall and product looks like (make sure to have great photos)

Successful applicants will likely receive a phone call from the organisers so they can find out more about the business and run through the terms of the agreement.

Unsuccessful applicants do receive a notification, but not always with an explanation. Festival organisers dedicate a certain number of pitches and site locations to specific trader types, with hot food traders generally securing most of the spots. So you could lose out on a pitch for no other reason than a quota is already full!

In other cases, our suppliers have entered bidding wars to win their pitch. It’s not uncommon for two similar traders to compete for the same spot with the highest bidder winning the pitch.

If your application is successful, you’ll need to provide all the relevant documentation before you sign a contract, including; FSA food ratings, insurance and risk assessments 

### Make your application stand out from the crowd

__Provide good quality photos and videos showcasing your business__
- Festival organisers can have 1000s of applications to sift through, so selling yourself makes you stand out from the crowd. We’ve seen hundreds of vendors apply for festivals with stock imagery and poor marketing material which makes little impact. 

__Creat an eye-catching brand and design__
- Great branding will draw the attention of festival organisers who are looking for traders that can bring in the crowds. This applies to your logo, van and your staff uniform. Nailing this will undoubtedly help you turn a profit too.

### Build a good reputation
This may not be applicable if you’re applying to your first festival, but many of our suppliers have been asked back by festivals the following year and skip the whole application process entirely. 

To help you build a great festival rep, we’ve put together a guide to festival catering [here](https://feast-it.com/magazine/a-guide-to-festival-catering).

### Always read the contract
We strongly advise thoroughly reading the contract upon a successful application, and make sure you go through any uncertainties or questions with the festival organiser before signing. 

Only when you’re 100% happy with the terms should you put pen to paper.

### Apply through Feast It
We already have a dozen or so festivals and large public events lined up for 2021, including Lytham Festival, Pride London and numerous Virgin Sport events..If you want to be part of our supplier community, apply for a Feast It supplier [here](https://feast-it.com/info/become-a-partner).


Feast It Leeds Fest

Eyeing up a pitch at top UK festival or event? Find out how F&B suppliers across the country manage to secure them.

How to win festival pitches

If you’ve been successful in your application for a pitch at a festival, congratulations!

It’s now time to turn your thoughts to the festival itself and put yourself in the best position to make your time there a success. 

With over 100 public-facing events under our belt, we’ve identified the common trends seen from food and drink vendors that really knock it out of the park. 

If you want to be a part of some of the UK's biggest events and festivals you can apply through our partner page [here](https://feast-it.com/info/become-a-partner).

### Prepare the right amount of stock
As you gain festival experience, understanding how much stock you need does get easier. Start by preparing the amount of stock you’d need to sell to determine the festival a success from a financial perspective. So, if you need to sell 1000 units in order to make a profit, order enough stock to cover this.

Make sure you get a good idea of the number of festival attendees. It’s always worth speaking to other food vendors who serve similar products to get an idea of what they’ve experienced too. 

### Be clever with what you sell
Smaller menus make it easier to predict stock levels, putting you in a better position to make a profit. It also means the number of portions you can serve in an hour will likely increase as you become more efficient at making fewer things. Most importantly though, it will make it easier for customers to make a choice rather than move on and look elsewhere.

### Have branding and design that stands out
![Gully](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4S4iRszgUHRz6rQPV5f4z/a05f43b8d1d65d564f37c81f980e8e1c/Gully.IMG_7366.JPG)
You can read a menu from 5 meters away, but you can spot a vendor that stands out way back from the campsite. Having the best menu in the world is one thing, but if you’re not attracting festival-goers to come and have a look, you’ll inevitably lose out.

Good branding and design isn’t confined to just your logo, think about your truck, the uniform you and your staff wear, how you display your menu and  signage too. 

### Offer samples
The oldest trick in the book, and the best marketing technique, is offering samples. Even if it doesn’t work the first time around, the next time someone is deciding where to grab food from, they might just remember you and better still, bring 5 of their friends too.

### Make your prices obvious
Don’t hide your prices away. Make them clear and obvious to help passers-by make a decision between your business and the hundreds of other vendors on-site.

### Be charismatic
![Cluck Farmyard](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5sunObLOK8BxPG0J7yZP4G/dd6e8f5de408bfa068b454172039ebc4/Feast_it_Cluck_Farmyard00006.JPG)
As the old saying goes, people like buying from other people and a friendly team are undoubtedly going to create a memorable experience and encourage repeat business. 

### Use it as a marketing opportunity
Where else would you get the opportunity of a weekend of brand exposure to hundreds of thousands of people? Two or three days at a festival could potentially bring you more customers than the rest of the year combined. 

Make sure to have your social media branding on your truck and packaging. Clear and obvious branding encourages customers to capture a quick photo of your product and spread the word about your business (tagged photos are great for sparking brand awareness!). And who knows, they could be about to have their wedding and think you’d be a perfect fit!

### Always keep loose change
Most people will likely pay via contactless but you need to have a good amount of change for cash buyers. Get to the bank and exchange some notes for change but do so in accordance with your pricing.

If you’re charging £8.99, consider rounding the price up for ease. No one wants to carry 1p round with them.  

---

# 4 ways to measure success at a festival  

Once the festival is done and dusted, it’s time to sit down and establish whether it’s been a success. Success can be determined in numerous ways and this process is important to help to make your next festival experience even better. Here's our guide to determining success. 

### How much money did you make?
Did you come out in the green? If not, were there any errors in your early predictions? Consider if you got the amount of stock you ordered right, if you attracted as many customers as you thought, and if you could have done anything differently.

If you did come out of the festival turning a profit, was it by the skin of your teeth or do you now feel ready for your next, perhaps larger festival? 

If this is your third or fourth success in a row, it could be time to think about expanding and getting more trucks to attend more festivals. 

### Did you grow your brand?
![The Street Diner](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/9n6Ng7eV5yL4guPAQysFr/0ed18ddc11cd76038e12766d2d1b1079/a-guide-to-festival-catering-the-street-diner-feast-it.JPG)
The number of followers you have isn’t the be all and end all, but it’s still important for brand awareness and perception. Festivals are a great marketing opportunity and growing your social presence could be a key success factor.

You can also track how many repeat vs new customers you gained over the festival. Payment providers such as iZettle and Airslip make this possible through their POS systems and such analysis will highlight what you might be able to improve or do differently in your marketing efforts.

### Did you get it right operationally?
How close to your original estimations were you? Did you have the right amount of staff to deliver the number of portions you needed to make a profit? Were you close to your stock projections or did you fall short?

It’s only with experience that you really nail down the operations, but it’s vital you make a note and track the changes you make to see if you’re getting closer next time round.

### Did you enjoy it?
Was the festival you’ve always dreamed of what you imagined it to be? Even if you turned a profit, if you didn’t enjoy the experience, you could consider applying for something different the following year.

If you're interested in applying to some of the UK's largest festivals through Feast It, you can apply [here](https://feast-it.com/info/become-a-partner).


Feast-It-A-Guide-To-Festival-Catering

Find out what we've learnt makes a great festival vendor with top tips from over 1000 UK food and drink suppliers

A guide to festival catering

If you asked us this time last year how we'd be spending the festive party season, the answer definitely wouldn't have been "at home"! Things might be a bit different this year, but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy a good (virtual) party.

The concept of virtual parties exploded onto the event planning scene recently as an alternative way to get teams together at Christmas, when they can't physically be together. Our guide to virtual parties tells you everything you need to know about planning your own, and how to avoid any awkward silences on Zoom! 

Whether or not you know what type of virtual party you want to have, we can help create a bespoke celebration for your budget and party size. Let us know your requirements by submitting an enquiry form on [this page](https://feast-it.com/enquiry?tier1=virtual).

# What are my options for a virtual Christmas party?
# 
The most popular idea we’re currently seeing is to book a virtual class, where an expert will teach your team a fun new skill over an interactive video call.

People are loving virtual cook-along classes, where gourmet meal kits are sent to staff, and a chef from the restaurant teaches your team how to cook the perfect meal, or a virtual cocktail making class, a similar concept with a mixologist on Zoom rather than a chef. The highly interactive elements of these classes remove any video call related awkwardness and allow your team to enjoy the most important aspects of a Christmas party; food, drink and the company of colleagues.

Other activities include classes like wreath and bouquet making, virtual gigs with musicians or performances from comedians.

If the idea of a virtual party isn’t appealing, sending personalised gifts to your team is a great way to thank them for all their hard work. Think Christmas hampers stuffed with goodies, three-course Christmas dinner kits for them to cook at home or personalised doughnuts and brownies.

![virtual 0004 Feast It Social Pantry Hampers](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/29yp18tNPfbmMpN901dWgV/6139cc4f2a0ee9a019f99030a5079521/virtual_0004_Feast_It_Social_Pantry_Hampers.jpg)

# How do I get everything to my team, and when do I need to place an order?
# 

Some cook-along classes require your team to purchase ingredients themselves, but most involve kits with all the gear delivered straight to their doors.

Try to order kits about a week in advance of your party date, although some suppliers can do deliveries at shorter notice, so they reach everyone on time. Most kits can be delivered nationwide, with some suppliers offering international delivery. 

Any supplier you book through Feast It was selected for their reliability as well as quality, so all you need to do is fill in the addresses of staff, and your order will make it to them in time.

# How much should I spend on a virtual Christmas party? 
# 
That depends whether you’re looking to simply to send something out to your team or throw a virtual class. Meal or cocktail kits start at about £30 + delivery per person. If you’d like to have an expert teaching your team over Zoom, you can expect to pay around £150-£250 extra on top of the cost of the kits. 

Activities like wreath making, where you get all the materials delivered to you, can cost more than food classes. You can expect to pay around £90, which should still come in much cheaper than a traditional Christmas party, where the average spend is over £100 per head.

![virtual 0002 851756 66c774e15d9b4ca788c36360b154b68e mv2 d 2880 1920 s 2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2yzjn7AdjcblcCdrbWvUte/075dbbe6cb2550b04f95c54704a2c71e/virtual_0002_851756_66c774e15d9b4ca788c36360b154b68e_mv2_d_2880_1920_s_2.jpg)

# How should we host a virtual event?
# 
Zoom allows up to 100 people on a standard call and up to 1,000 with their Large Meeting add on. 

Past the actual choice of software, we recommend reaching out to your team at least a week in advance to make sure that everyone’s free (although with lockdown there shouldn’t be too many excuses) and to check any dietary requirements if you’re doing a cook along.

Personally, we would recommend getting in a host for an activity like a cook-along class or cocktail making session where it’s important to keep the interactive element of the event going.

We recommend rounding off your party with your own interactive quiz (sorry to bring up Zoom quizzes) or virtual awards ceremony so your team can feel like they’re enjoying their meal or drinks together, without any awkward silence!

![virtual 0008 cue-point-064](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/10e2KKYLMA1ha6yc8PtUJo/2c299900f2c2571ae3770cae461d06a8/virtual_0008_cue-point-064.jpg)

# What about dietary requirements? 
# 
No problem at all, just let the suppliers know and they can sort it!

You can enquire about the country's best suppliers for your Christmas party right [here](https://feast-it.com/enquiry?tier1=virtual).


Virtual cocktail class

With a traditional knees up off the cards, we explore how you can keep your staff happy this Christmas with a virtual party

How to plan a virtual Christmas party

Marquees are the perfect way to provide tailored space for guests at your event. It’s not often that you have to consider hiring one though, so when it comes to picking the right choice for your event, there are a few questions you’re going to need answers to.

Below we provide answers to questions like: What type of marquees are out there? Which style is best for me? Who provides what I’m looking for? What size marquee do I need? How much is it likely to cost? What other accessories should I be thinking about? 

![Sam_Wedding_Marquee](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5lytsvFavW6mZ8AZQuvsQ3/5f2e79c7a48846e7664d7937ec9d5ef2/Sam___Natasha_s_Wedding_Day_532_websize.jpg)

## Types of Marquees, Tents and Structures

![Traditional Marquee](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/32OGBjoU9rkdt0Skep3g8/02ff3379ba979b69bed05ce797705393/Traditional_Marquee.jpg)

### __Traditional marquees__ 
Traditional marquees have several names; pole tents, soft tops (not to be confused with Big Tops or Circus Tents), or guyed marquees. The one thing they have in common is that the main structural element is the cover itself. Most traditional marquees use cotton-based fabrics as the covering, but PVC coated polyester is popular too as it’s waterproof. 

Traditional Marquess can reach a width of 120 feet but most hirers will opt for frame marquees for widths above 40 or 50 feet (12 or 15 metres). 

It’s worth noting that Sailcloth tents (similar to traditional marquees) have spiked in popularity recently. They usually have transparent sidewalls and a wooden structure, allowing more light in and giving a slightly more modern feel. 

__Pros__: They’re big (up to 120ft wide), good value, easy to erect, a classy traditional look and very breathable

__Cons__: Bigger variations require more people to erect them, so factor that into your costs

__Perfect for__: Weddings

__Recommended Suppliers__: [White Horse Marquees](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/white-horse-marquees)

![Stretch Tent](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1GMdqvlLRz6FQoMC1wKpXr/4426d42482c85e85abbd5426ce2a4baf/Stretch_Tent.jpg)

### Stretch tents 
Funky shapes in a wide variety of colours characterise stretch tents, which use a special technical fabric that is stretchy but also provides structural stability. The fabric is anchored at its corners and along its sides, and then poles of different lengths are pushed up to create the iconic shapes. There are several manufacturers of these tents and not all use fabrics that are properly water resistant, so it is important to check that the tents you’re getting won’t let the water in, although this won’t be a problem with any Feast It suppliers.

__Pros__: Cool, modern and pretty customisable

__Cons__: Sloping sides mean internal space can sometimes be restricted

__Perfect for__: Festival themed weddings, more informal parties

__Recommended Suppliers__: [The Stretch Tent Company](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/the-stretch-tent-company?), [Intent Productions](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/intent-productions?)

![Tipis](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5QlgeXW9H2lzuEGb0vUoPU/c0c7b121485c1937d4c8711ada1e4043/Tipis.jpg)

### Tipis 
If you’re after a more festival-like vibe then tipis are probably the choice for you. They commonly consist of a natural timber structure with a canvas covering and it’s these aesthetics along with their customisable and linkable nature that make them an interesting alternative type of structure. They are used widely for weddings, parties and festivals, and increasingly for smaller corporate events.

__Pros__: Super cool, very customisable 

__Cons__: Due to their shape, things like loos aren’t often built in or provided by the supplier itself so you may end up communicating with more suppliers to get the set up you want

__Perfect for__: Festival weddings, more relaxed and informal events

__Recommended Suppliers__: [Viva La Tipi](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/viva-la-tipi?), [White Bison Tipi Hire](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/white-bison-tipi-hire?)

![Glamping tents](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2XTcbgTYDmPzldfl8Fhe74/2661654990ebaca5679937738468dacd/Glamping_tents.jpg)

### Glamping tents 
The most common tent you’ll find for glamping are bell tents and their variations; lotus bell tents and lotus mahal tents. 

A bell tent is perhaps one of the most recognisable tent styles, featuring a central support pole to support the canvas, giving it it’s classic shape. The entrance is formed with an A-frame pole and its guy ropes provide stability. 

__Pros__: Luxury accommodation that you can bring to almost any location

__Cons__: We’re not sure there are any!

__Perfect for__: Festival themed weddings

__Recommended Suppliers__: [Yurts For Life](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/yurts-for-life?), [Portobello Tents](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/portobello-tents?)

![Frame marquee](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/5qR0NY2v3OdVvVD4c3qBCa/203d344041b370e2d44e7f2e8d633a92/Frame_marquee.jpg)

### Frame marquees
Frame marquees are made of semi-rigid frames that provide structural stability and are most commonly made from a synthetic fabric. Frames can be made of wood, steel aluminium tubing, or box-section aluminium. 

The ones which use box-section aluminium are referred to as Clear Span structures which can be up to 50m in width. They are called Clear Span Marquees as they have no intermediate pole supports resulting in an uninterrupted internal space.

The solid frame found with this type of marquee affords you a wider choice of accessories. Doors, windows, rigid side panels and sophisticated flooring systems can all be installed as a result. If you want a marquee but don’t want your guests to feel like they’re in a marquee then this is the choice for you. Likewise, this level of sophistication and comfort means that you aren’t restricted by the weather making Frame Marquees the best choice for events in harsher conditions.

__Pros__: They’re open, allow a wider choice of accessories and are your best choice in harsher conditions

__Cons__: They have a metal structure so you’ll be paying a bit more for inner lining to cover this up

__Perfect for__: Larger events and weddings, side extensions for your house and events in the winter

__Recommended Suppliers__: [Perfect Pitch Marquees](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/perfect-pitch-marquees?)

![Saddlespan tent](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/6uKcNUAMdBkRcUrkxeR76S/d21ca7a50b7425fd592a8ef4cbe74cf8/Saddlespan_tent.jpg)

### Saddlespan tents
Some people describe a Saddlespan tent as looking like a pringle crisp. Made from tensioned PVC and supported by architectural aluminium trussing, these unusual looking tents can be used as a large marquee, stage cover, audience shelter or exhibition venue. They are available in different sizes and can be linked in a variety of ways to create large and interesting structures. Safety issues are paramount, and this type of structure like all other tents requires competent installation. MUTA has created guidance specific to Saddlespan tents which MUTA members are obliged to follow.

__Pros__: Innovative design, good acoustics, super airy

__Cons__: They’re really just a covering so you may want to go for something with more of a structure to protect guests from the elements

__Perfect for__: A stage set up at an event, exhibitions, corporate events  

![Giant Structure](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/557dc325unFzbyVvDIpuu6/c6d982927babd3a176b55df6556d5c8d/Giant_Structure.jpg)

### Giant structures 
A giant structure is really only worth considering for really large events with 100s if not thousands of guests. Generally, these are for the corporate and event industry as opposed to private hire.
They are most commonly referred to as large span aluminium frame or tensioned pole tents and are over 25m wide. It’s not unusual to find them span up to 40 or 50 metres and as a result, they usually need the aid of a telescopic plant or crane to erect and dismantle them.

__Pros__: Solid, secure and very professional

__Cons__: Like multi-deck structures, due to their size, they require a lot of planning to set up

__Perfect for__: Larger, often more corporate events. We have seen them used at big weddings too

__Recommended Suppliers__: [Key Structures](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/key-structures-ltd?)

![Multi-deck structures](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1E6KA8gA7HMGMnJ5gLDSrM/309ff90944b72ab1eafb83b165044f21/Multi-deck_structures.jpg)

### Multi-Deck structures
Like giant structures, multi-deck structures are usually more at home at large events, and you’ll very rarely see or need them for private hire. Multi-deck structures can be either double, triple or quad-level structures. The top floor is of a standard clear span aluminium frame design with the lower floors being constructed from an integral steel upright and horizontal beam system. These are specialised structures and only very few hirers are competent to deliver them safely.

__Pros__: Their rigidity and solid structure allow you to erect and furnish a space that essentially feels like a building

__Cons__: They take real planning and logistical thought and require a big team to set up

__Perfect for__: Large events with thousands of guests

__Recommended Suppliers__: [Key Structures](https://feast-it.com/suppliers/key-structures-ltd?)

---

## How big does your marquee have to be? 
Your marquee supplier will help find the right sized structure for your event. It’s no secret what the contributing factors are though; number of guests, decorations, table sizes, number of chairs needed and other things like the addition of a bar or dancefloor too. Below we’ve included a table to allow you to make a rough estimate:

![marquee_size_guide_2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4IckVLvysfXBEnhgmfgh39/5aab5d051e96cf8e767c2de0ca783e91/Size_Guide1size_guide.jpg)

## Marquee decoration guide
It’s one thing choosing the marquee itself but next come the considerations about how you’ll kit it out. A good marquee provider will have decorating options available with their offering, or at least have partners that can provide the following.

### Furniture
__Tables__

Things you’ll want to consider are the variety of shapes and sizes. Round tables are often considered more sociable but longer tables will allow you to use long benches as opposed to chairs and perhaps be more efficient with your space. Less about space, but more about aesthetics, you’ll also need to consider the style, or even if you want table coverings.  

__Chairs and benches__

A good marquee provider should have various chairs available for hire. Some with seat pads, others without and always a good variety of colours and style. Of course, choosing a decorative chair would render colour and style useless. If you’re going for a more festival vibe, then benches might be worth considering. 

__Bar__

If you want a bar but you’re on a budget, the best solution is a couple of trestle tables that your marquee supplier should have handy. If you’re looking for a more bespoke option, it’s probably worth checking out some of our suppliers here. 

### Floors, Stage & Dancefloor
__Floors__

Matting laid directly onto the ground with a membrane underneath is the most common and cost-effective option. When well laid, it looks nice too. If you want to push the boat out, you can have a solid floor with or without carpet. 

__Stage__

You’ll want to consider a stage for a band, although this isn’t essential. Some marquee suppliers will provide this themselves whilst others will partner with stage suppliers and include the cost in their quote. 

__Dancefloor__

Dance floors do take up space and will inevitably add to the cost of the hire. Always consider the space you will need to make for an area to dance but you might be able to make do without a dedicated floor.

### Lighting
We could write a whole article on the plethora of lighting available but instead here are some key things worth thinking about. 

Consider the complexity of lighting. Do you want to keep it simple or add numerous colours and effects for a little later in the night?

Do you need external lighting, perhaps near guest accommodation, or for parking or for any external features you’ve hired? 

Again, seek the advice of the marquee hirer who will be able to advise on any rigs and lights they have available.  

### Power
There are 3 main ways to provide a source of power to a marquee. Firstly you can run a cable in from a mains socket if your marquee is close enough to a building. You can also wire into a fuse board if there’s a fuse board not too far from the site. And lastly, you can run off a generator which will come in a range of shapes and sizes. If you go for the latter, ask your supplier how loud it is, you don’t want it rumbling away during the “I do’s”.

### Heating
Electrical heating is probably best for inside the marquee, you just need to make sure you have enough heaters. Heaters other than electrical ones should be “indirect”, i.e. those
with an exhaust system, that sit outside the tent and blow warm air in through flame
retardant ducting running under the edge of the canvas or through a specially made cut
out in the wall. 

### Toilets
If there are no loos near the marquee a toilet trailer or portaloos may be your best option. Some marquee providers will have these themselves whilst others will partner with loo providers. There are a wide range of styles and sophistication available, so it won’t feel like day three of a music festival!

## Estimated Costs
The cost of a marquee is based on numerous factors. You have the marquee itself and variable factors such as:

- Number of guests
- Type of marquee
- Size of marquee
- Location

And then you have the itemisation within the marquee where you’ll have to consider:

- Type of flooring
- Type and number of chairs and tables
- Lighting
- Interior decoration
- Heating
- Loos
- Bar
- Dance Floor
- Staging

With so many variables to estimate, the cost of a marquee is hard to predict, so it’s always best to start engaging with a supplier as soon as possible and provide as much detail as possible. We’ve put together a rough estimation of costs for a clear span and stretch tent marquee, depending on the size of the marquee, number of guests and some basic decoration variations. However expect to be adding at least £1000 after you take into consideration tables, seating, lighting, heating (if needed) decorations, sound and loos.

![small_clearspan_2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/2Spn6ArNzV5VVozmwkatk1/760a2d23d8c52b1d87b7830064e0ae64/Smaller1small_clearspan.jpg)

![large_clearspan_2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/3BYgmymFZnNbttYz0ydV0H/fc492b0b0c430098f47663389cae7d56/Larger_clearspan_marquees1large_clearspan.jpg)

![stretch_tent_2](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/6UsDrAQ6aQvTl4jknV3HxL/be165021f263ce765812add6ee319795/Stretch_Tent_marquees1stretch_tents.jpg)


Sam_Wedding_Marquee

Everything you need to know about hiring a marquee.

The ultimate guide to hiring a marquee

As lockdown eases, we begin to look forward to the time we can all safely enjoy events once again. It's hard to imagine right now but eventually events will go back to complete normality and COVID-19 restrictions will be a distant memory. 

Looking to the not too distant future though, events will start going ahead under new restrictions, and precautions must be taken to keep you and your guests safe at your party or event. We've gathered our top tips on how to plan a socially distanced event that your guests will be talking about for all the right reasons! 

![Screenshot 2020-05-18 at 12.13.37](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/4uLHZfE93QPDFFuLExM4Hq/519dec18b0c6fb401df7bf0e9a8066e4/Screenshot_2020-05-18_at_12.13.37.png)


## The great outdoors 
Simply put, you should host your event outdoors if possible. As Jonathan Van-Tam, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England explains, "it is absolutely categorically clear that outdoor spaces with higher degrees of ventilation are less problematic environments". If yours is a small event, consider hosting it in your garden or if the guest list is larger, look into fields or open spaces for hire in your local area. Open-sided gazebos are a great way to offer guests shelter or shade without increasing the risk and if it's a chilly day or evening event, fire pits or outdoor heaters will create a lovely ambience and keep your guests warm!


## Keep your distance
Any points where there should be queuing should be marked with 2m distance indicators on the ground -  entry to the event and ordering food or drink are prime situations for crowding. Some friendly signs and markers on the ground will help to keep everyone safe. 


## Spread out
Where possible, you should consider ways to help guests naturally spread out across your event. One great way is to opt for small bite street food that people can eat as they stand and move around, rather than sit in groups at tables. 


## Face masks
They're a common sight when out in public and the same should be true for your event. All staff should wear a face mask and gloves - especially anyone who is front-of-house and interacting with your guests. Your guests should be encouraged to wear masks too, for everyone's safety. 


## Keep hands clean
It's no secret that frequent hand washing is essential to keeping safe - we're all now painfully familiar with the happy birthday song. At your event, make sure there's plenty of hand sanitiser dotted around for people to use, particularly in areas where people may be touching the same surfaces such as at the bar or food service areas. Bottles of hand sanitiser strategically placed around your event will be gratefully received by your guests! 


## Only book the best
The best way to keep your guests safe and your event running smoothly is to make sure you only use highly professional suppliers who take their businesses incredibly seriously. Feast It only works with the top suppliers in the UK and all food and drink suppliers have hygiene ratings of 4 or 5 stars. On top of that, we'll be calling every suppliers before post-lockdown events to check that they have everything required to keep themselves and your guests safe.

If you have an enquiry with Feast It and would like a free event consultation with one of our team to talk through your options and the current developments in the event industry, you can [book one here](https://calendly.com/victoria-93/feast-it-event-consultation). If you haven’t enquired yet, [tell us about your event](https://feast-it.com/enquiry) and one of the team will be in touch soon!

Screenshot 2020-05-18 at 12.13.37

We've gathered our top tips on how to plan a socially distanced event to keep both you and your guests safe

How to plan a socially distanced event

However carefully you plan your event, be it a corporate occasion or the wedding of your dreams, the success of your event will largely depend on the crew you hire to staff your big day, and how they interact and engage with your guests.  

It’s an often overlooked element of event planning, but by paying close attention to the staff you hire, you can ensure you’re working with a team of professionals who are dedicated to providing your guests with a memorable and positive experience that lasts long after the event is over.

If you’re looking for friendly servers, talented mixologists or even a team of cleaners to tidy up post-event, then read on to discover our tips to hiring top-rated event professionals.

![Waitress carrying food](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/BYiCF1mmgshhNWIIfS30f/9d41cf7c4c703d33060473193e3bff3b/sasha-stories-XVTTK3wcYME-unsplash__1_.jpg)

## Build a team of professionals
Before you plan your team, it’s essential to decide upon the framework of your event. By determining the timings, venue and number of guests up front, you’ll have a clear picture of the areas which need to be staffed and by how many people.

We advise thinking carefully about the type of event staff you hire and the skills you want from them. By deciding if you need bar staff, caterers or a host to welcome guests, your staffing supplier can create a team that ticks all the boxes to give your special occasion the ‘wow’ factor.


## Hire a crew that’s bang on brand
If you’re hosting a corporate event, it’s essential to hire staff that represents your brand. The personnel who interact with your guests are the face of your company, so keep this in mind when selecting staff to ensure they project a positive image of your brand.

You’ll want your audience to connect with your brand, so hire events staff that your guests relate to. By considering the demographics of your audience and hiring staff with similar personalities, your team will be better placed to understand what makes the audience tick and how to give them an engaging and memorable service.


## Give staff a thorough briefing
Even experienced events staff will need guidance from you so they can understand how you'd like your event to run.  Every event is different and it’s the personal touches that can turn a good event into a fabulous one. 
Be prepared for your hired staff to ask questions, they'll want to understand your vision of the event so they can deliver for you. Their reputation is on the line and they’ll want to work with you again so will want to fully understand their responsibilities.

Taking the time to create a brief that your staff can read though will help to minimise the number of questions they may have. Better still, call a short meeting with your staff before the event so that all queries can be ironed out and everyone understands your expectations.

For a larger function or a big wedding, it’s worthwhile investing in a supervisor to take on the management of the staff, who can act as a single point of contact for all staffing questions and issues and leave you free to work on the rest of your to-do list!


## The power of perks
It’s expected that your event staff will have strong experience of party planning, decision-making skills and a positive can-do attitude. But have you considered that there may be little extras they could bring to the table? 

Take a product launch event for example, by giving your staff a little bit of background knowledge of the products, they can impress and educate your guests as they perform their duties. It’s these little perks that experienced corporate events staff provide that can make your event a real talking point.


## Consider hiring an Master of Ceremonies
Whilst you might think that asking the CEO to host your company’s awards ceremony is the right thing to do, the truth is it does put a lot of responsibility onto that person’s shoulders. Your CEO’s time would be better spent networking with the guests and not trying to deliver a witty speech.

By hiring an MC, they will ensure the event runs like clockwork – and can even introduce the CEO onto the stage to deliver the key company information or a short presentation, without placing all the hosting duties upon them.
The same advice is true for a wedding. A Master of Ceremonies will ensure the timetable for your big day runs smoothly.  They can announce the entrance of the happy couple, gather everyone together for the cutting of the cake and encourage everyone onto the dancefloor.


## We’ve got your staffing covered
Feast It has a proven track record in connecting event planners with high-quality staff. Our team only partner with the most professional staffing agencies in the UK, to ensure that all the staff you choose to build your team are top-rated and excellent in their field.

[Tell us a little about your event](https://feast-it.com/enquiry) and we’ll provide no-obligation quotes, friendly advice and ultimately, the perfect staff that are handpicked for your unique requirements. 


Waiter carrying drinks

The success of your event will largely depend on the crew you hire to staff your big day, and how they interact and engage with your guests.  

How to book the right staff for your next event

There's something very special about an outdoor event or wedding. Even in the UK we can be lucky enough to have blues skies and sunshine to add that extra feel-good factor to your big day.

When making plans for your event, you could be considering the benefits of a hiring a marquee. We love the fact that a marquee is a large enough to host your guests together in one space to give a real party atmosphere, and if the weather is in your favour, the marquee can be opened up to bring the great outdoors right into your venue.

We’ve got a wealth of experience in connecting event organisers with our hand-picked suppliers, and we’re sharing our top tips on what you should consider when hiring a party or wedding marquee.

![Interior of marquee](//images.ctfassets.net/91pq7vxbip7x/1fLJ85XbYj005hDhwzy4du/d46ca4784aa93697c032e557b6439a5f/F_M_7of711___1___1_.jpg)


## Check what services the marquee company offers
There are many marquee hire companies to choose from and it’s essential you select a company that meets your requirements. Ask yourself if you would like the provider to simply erect the marquee at the venue and leave the rest to you, or would you prefer a company that provides extra services such as a dancefloor, tables, chairs and venue dressing.


## Scope out the venue
If you own the land where the marquee is to be erected, then you’ll need to survey the area with your marquee provider to check it is the right terrain, and that there's access to utilities such as electricity and water.  This scoping of the site will help the marquee company suggest a suitably sized structure that will work with your venue and whether you'll need generators or a water butt.


## A flexible layout
One of the biggest advantages of a marquee is the flexibility of the structure and layout options it provides. The largest area should be for the guests to dine, dance and mingle in, but there are other key areas to think about too.  If the marquee needs to accommodate bathrooms, a catering area and the all-important bar, then thought should be given to how these will work within the structure. 

__Top Tip:__ If you want to keep the catering away from the main buzz of the event, consider hiring a smaller tent for the caterers.


## Ready, set-up, go!
How far in advance of your wedding or event should your structure be set up? This depends on the scale of your event and how much preparation is required to dress the marquee. In some instances a simple set-up could be completed the day before, but a more complex marquee for a large wedding should be in position at least two or three days beforehand, especially if you need to co-ordinate with venue dressers, lighting technicians, caterers and bar-staff to give them enough time to set up their areas.


## Consider the lighting and electrics
On a sunny day, a marquee provides a great source of natural light. However, it's best to be prepared with additional lighting in case the weather is a little gloomy. Inside the structure you can opt for elegant chandelier-style lighting, or maybe romantic soft shaded lights for an intimate feel. 
The catering unit, DJ and live band will all require power. If your structure is not near a direct power source, speak to your marquee provider about generator options.

__Top Tip:__ Stay safe – consider battery operated candles inside the marquee, rather than real candles.


## The Great British weather
We all have our fingers crossed for a lovely sunny day, but realistically it’s best to be prepared for all weather conditions.

If it does rain, make sure there is adequate room within the structure for everything to take place indoors. For Spring or Autumn events where there may be a chill in the air, you could ask your marquee provider to supply heating.

If your event falls in the middle of a heatwave, opt for a structure that has open sides so that the temperature inside the marquee doesn't get too stifling.

__Top Tip:__ If the weather is wet, it’s a nice touch to provide umbrellas for guests to use, especially if the toilets are located outside the main structure.


Wedding marquee

Top tips and insider information on booking your event marquee