Heating a marquee: how to keep it warm and cosy even in winter

With high-quality marquees, unique event locations can be created. However, impressive aesthetics and design are no guarantee of a successful event, as the well-being of guests plays an equally important role. Crucial to this are the appropriate indoor climate and the ideal temperature inside the marquee. These conditions can be achieved with a correctly matched marquee heating system. Heating a marquee is essential in many cases for several reasons:

• Guest comfort: In cooler temperatures, an unheated marquee can quickly become uncomfortable. A pleasant temperature inside the event marquee ensures that guests feel comfortable and can enjoy the event.
• Extension of event duration: A heated marquee makes it possible to hold events at any time of day and in any season – regardless of whether it is a winter event, an evening function, a daytime party, or a night-time event.
• Protection against cold and moisture: Sudden drops in temperature as well as cool and rainy days cannot be ruled out even in the warmer months. Marquee heating not only protects against cold but also against unpleasant moisture that can develop inside a marquee.
• Improved atmosphere: A pleasant temperature inside the marquee creates a welcoming atmosphere. This is particularly important for formal events such as a wedding or a gala dinner.

Heating marquees is not only relevant in winter to ensure the comfort of guests. Depending on the size of the marquee, the type of event and the specific requirements, there are various heating solutions to choose from. The most common methods include electric heaters, gas heaters, oil heaters and infrared heating systems. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered when making a choice. We present the different heating options and show you how to heat a party marquee or marquee in winter:

Electric heaters

Electric heaters are quick to deploy, easy to handle and provide immediate heat. They also produce no exhaust fumes. They can be used to heat smaller party marquees, pavilions as well as large marquees. Mobile electric heaters are suitable for smaller marquees, and they can also be used to heat specific areas within an event marquee. A disadvantage of this heating option is the dependence on a reliable power supply. When large event areas are heated electrically, high electricity consumption can also result.

Gas heaters

Gas heaters offer a very high heating output and can be operated independently of a power supply. These are decisive advantages for many outdoor events. Even in large marquees, heating with gas units can ensure pleasant temperatures inside the marquee.

Infrared heaters

Another option for heating a marquee is infrared heaters. They ensure an even distribution of heat and generate a pleasant warmth. Infrared heaters are therefore particularly ideal for areas of the marquee where guests stay for longer periods. In addition, infrared heaters do not remove oxygen from the air, and no CO2 is emitted. As infrared heaters work with direct heat transfer, less energy is lost. This also makes this heating solution highly efficient.

Oil heaters

Oil heaters are powerful and reliable. They are therefore also suitable for large-scale events and long-running events such as trade fairs or festivals. The major advantage of these heating systems is their high efficiency and independence from electricity or gas connections. The unit is typically placed outdoors, and the continuously warm air is distributed inside the marquee via heating ducts. With indirect oil heating systems, the generated warm air is free from exhaust gases and odours, so no unpleasant emissions arise in the event area.

Fan heaters and hot air blowers

Fan heaters or radiant heaters do not warm the air, but instead directly heat objects and people in the surrounding area. Radiant heaters are therefore positioned directly where heat is required. They rely on electrical energy to operate. They are particularly suitable for smaller areas or targeted heat zones, such as seating areas inside a marquee.

Heating systems with hot air blowers use a fan to distribute warm air evenly throughout the marquee. They can be powered electrically, but also by gas or oil. These systems are usually larger and more powerful units designed to heat even large marquees quickly. To save space and reduce noise, they can be placed outside the event marquee.

The weather can be unpredictable at any time of year: icy winds and low temperatures can occur in summer just as much as sweltering heat. Therefore, heating marquees is not only important in winter. We show you which factors play a role when heating your marquee:

Size and capacity of the marquee

The required heating output is primarily based on the room volume. A larger marquee requires a more powerful heating system. In addition to the size of the marquee, it must also be taken into account that party marquees and marquees do not have insulated roof or side coverings, and therefore some heat is continuously lost through the entire structure.

Weather conditions and outside temperatures

Other factors that must be considered when calculating heating requirements include the desired indoor temperature as well as the season and outside temperature. Local weather conditions have a significant influence on the choice of heating system. In cold weather or strong winds, it may be necessary to use more powerful heating units to achieve the desired comfort. Possible temperature fluctuations during your event should also be taken into account. Heating requirements vary depending on outside temperature, marquee size, type of heating system and the individual conditions of the event.

Duration of the event

For longer events, a heating system is recommended that can maintain constant temperatures over several hours or days. For shorter events, a quick-heating solution may be sufficient.

When it comes to transforming an event marquee in winter into an inviting and warm environment, efficient heating solutions are essential. In addition, there are several other ways to create a comfortable atmosphere. We give you some important expertise:

• Arrangement of heating units: An even distribution of heat in the marquee is perceived by guests as particularly pleasant. It is therefore important to position the heating units strategically and to develop the planning with experienced expertise.
• Insulation of the ground: Ensure that the marquee floor is well insulated. Depending on the event, insulating the ground can be especially useful in winter. Choosing the right flooring also contributes to the atmosphere.
• Side coverings: Event marquees can be equipped with different side coverings, such as glass panels.
• Comfortable furniture: Equip an event marquee with comfortable furniture such as lounge areas or upholstered chairs.
• Well-considered decoration: The right decoration can also create an inviting atmosphere, including warm colours, soft textiles and atmospheric lighting. At the entrance of the marquee, placing a thick curtain can reduce cold draughts. Providing blankets can increase guest comfort.
• Coordinated selection of drinks and food: When planning the selection of drinks and food, warming options can be taken into account.

A heated marquee offers guests pleasant comfort, but it also carries certain risks. In particular, if the necessary safety precautions are not taken, heating marquees can also become a hazard. We inform you which safety measures must be observed for heated event marquees:

• Type of heating equipment: Only use heating units that are suitable for use in marquees.
• Safety distance: For every heating system, the manufacturer specifies a minimum distance to walls and other objects. Ensure that this is strictly observed.
• Ventilation: A suitable ventilation system is essential in every marquee to ensure a good indoor climate, especially when the marquee is heated. At HTS TENTIQ, optimal ventilation is taken into account from the very beginning when designing a marquee and is adapted to the respective usage concept.
• Fire safety measures: All required fire safety regulations are implemented and complied with during the planning of an event marquee with HTS TENTIQ, including the positioning of fire extinguishers and the provision of escape routes.
• Temperature control: When the marquee heating is in operation, the indoor temperature should be monitored regularly. Before each event, it is also important to inform staff about the correct handling of the heating system.
• Maintenance of heating equipment: An HTS TENTIQ event marquee is largely maintenance-free, but heating systems are not. The manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals for the heating system should therefore be strictly observed.

Event marquees offer great versatility today. Our marquees, party marquees and pagoda marquees are ideal for weddings, trade fairs, sporting events and many other occasions. With clear-span widths of up to 60.00 metres and variable lengths, they provide space for several thousand guests. Thanks to their bespoke design, they can be visually adapted and fitted with a wide range of accessories. Another key advantage: our event marquees are easy to assemble and dismantle. As we place great importance on using high-quality materials in production, an event marquee from HTS TENTIQ also ensures a long service life.

Versatile applications: flexible marquee solutions for events of every size

Marquees offer a huge range of possible applications and are versatile in use – whether for private celebrations, large-scale events or corporate functions. Depending on the type of marquee, a wide variety of occasions can be presented perfectly.

There is no single perfect heating solution for all types of event marquees. Rather, factors such as the size of the marquee, climatic conditions and the specific requirements of the event play a major role in the choice of heating system.

• Electric heaters provide an immediate source of heat.
• Gas and oil heaters impress with high output to heat even large areas.
• Infrared heaters are ideal for targeted heat delivery.
• Fan heaters and hot air blowers, on the other hand, are suitable for short-term use.

Regardless of which heating system you choose, it is always important to comply with the respective safety measures. With a building expert such as HTS TENTIQ at your side, the calculation of heating requirements is handled for you and the appropriate heating system is planned accordingly. Reliable, long-standing cooperation partners ensure the installation of the chosen heating system, so that your guests are provided with a comfortable atmosphere, regardless of external weather conditions.