--- title: Traditional pole tents date: 2026-05-20T12:44:00+01:00 author: Emily Cording canonical_url: "https://www.glevents.co.uk/products/marquees/traditional-pole-tent" section: Products --- # Traditional pole tents Traditional pole tents are full of eclectic charm and are a popular choice for event managers looking to create a classic, high-impact space with real character. GL events' range of traditional tents are manufactured to the highest modern standards, whilst maintaining a traditional appearance. [ Download brochure ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/download-our-brochure) [ ![Traditional pole tent marquee supplied by GL events UK](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Your-Event/Shows-Festivals/_1024xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/Pole-tent-image.jpg) Small traditional pole tent ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Your-Event/Shows-Festivals/_1920xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/Pole-tent-image.jpg) [ ![....... Images of Marquees](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Traditional-pole-tents/_1024xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/Traditional-pole-tent-larger.jpg) Medium traditional pole tent ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Traditional-pole-tents/_1920xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/Traditional-pole-tent-larger.jpg) [ ![PA110821](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Traditional-pole-tents/_1024xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/80853/PA110821.jpg) Large traditional pole tent ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Traditional-pole-tents/_1920xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/80853/PA110821.jpg) Previous Next Pole tent overview Technical specifications Interior fit out options ## Timeless design for elegant events Traditional pole tents are a good choice for festivals, hospitality events, countryside shows and premium outdoor celebrations. They provide an intimate and elegant space with strong visual appeal. Traditional pole tents offer the flexibility to create inviting guest spaces for both dining and receptions and relaxed events. While pole tents have been used for centuries, GL events’ range of traditional tents is built for modern, commercial event delivery. Manufactured to high standards with washable PVC, these structures offer the charm of a heritage marquee with the reassurance of a robust and compliant structure for the UK events market. They are also among the small number of traditional tents in the UK available with wind calculations, giving you confidence when selecting a marquee for professional events. ![024](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Traditional-pole-tents/_1280xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/80847/024.jpg) Perfect for Festivals Country shows Hospitality Village fates & fairs ![](/dist/images/decor/decor--br-a.png) ## Traditional tent sizes and product information Traditional pole tents work particularly well for events where the structure needs to feel like part of the experience. Traditional pole tents are available in 9m 12m and 15m widths. This As a traditional pole marquee is built in sections, it can be configured in a range of ways to provide your required length or shape. This gives event managers the option to create connected spaces for receptions, dining, bars, back-of-house areas, catering or guest circulation, while maintaining a consistent traditional marquee appearance. As a guide, mid-sized 12m x 10m traditional pole tent will provide the space and capacity for approximately 120 people for a standing reception or around 80 banqueting guests. As the name suggests, internal poles are used to support the marquee, providing a high clearance within the structure. The support poles also gives you options for décor and branding. Bunting, wrapping and draping is often used on these poles to compliment the traditional look and feel. [ Try our marquee capacity configurator to find the optimum size for your event ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/products/capacity-configurator) ![Crick Boat Show 2024](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/_1280xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/Crick-Boat-Show-2024-008.jpg) Available in widths of 9m 12m 15m ![](/dist/images/decor/decor--br-a.png) ## Customise your traditional pole marquee Traditional pole tents can be configured and customised for a range of events. With the right interior fit out, a traditional pole marquee becomes a more functional, comfortable and visually polished space. Plywood flooring provides a level, stable base underfoot and carpet can be specified for a refined and premium interior finish. Carpet is particularly useful if you are using the marquee for brand-led hospitality or corporate events when a level floor is required for dining tables and a polished and premium look. To create a light and airy atmosphere, Georgian window walls will allow more natural light into the marquee. Window walls maintain the classic look of the marquee while creating a brighter and more open atmosphere during daytime events. This can be especially effective for summer events with outdoor activities and countryside events, in beautiful settings where a connection to the outdoors adds to the overall experience. [ See the range of bespoke fit out options ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/event-fit-outs) ![90ft Showspan with Navy blue ceiling drapes and flat white wall lining for Oundle School Speech Day 2019 School Graduation](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Traditional-pole-tents/_1280xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/116049/traditional-pole-tent-decorated.jpg) Fit out options include Flat flooring Choice of carpets Window walls Power, lighting and HVAC ![](/dist/images/decor/decor--br-a.png) ## Why choose a traditional pole tent? The traditional pole tent is a stylish option with the added practicality event professionals expect. Traditional pole tents are a popular choice as they combine quintessential event styling with a wide range practical fit out options. A traditional pole tent is an ideal choice for boutique events in heritage settings, festivals, private parties and corporate outdoor events. • Timeless visual appeal for smaller and more intimate events • Flexible sizes and configurations to suit different events • Internal support poles provide internal décor opportunities • In keeping with scenic and historic settings ![40ft Pole Tent at Trinity College Cambridge 2018 Trinity May Ball 2018](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Traditional-pole-tents/_800xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/pole-tent-with-decor.jpg) ## Key benefits Traditional Pole tents are supplied in 30ft, 40ft and 50ft widths. With multiple sections, they can be erected from something as a simple as a 40ft x 40ft square to over 200ft long. Can be interlinked using traditional awning tunnels. Plywood floors, cord carpets and Georgian window walls can be fitted to enhance the pole tent's appearance and further their application. ![001](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Traditional-pole-tents/_800xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/001.jpg) ## Traditional or contemporary? Compare your options. If you are unsure which type or style of marquee you need, explore our full range of marquees and compare the options best suited to your event. [ Download the overview brochure ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/download-our-brochure) [ Marquee styles explained ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/articles-guides/marquee-styles) ## Our marquees Previous Next [ ![Picture4](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Clearspan/_1124x600_crop_center-center_none/Picture4.jpg) Clearspan Available in widths of 15m, 20m and 25m and any length in multiples of 5m bays with gutter linking available when a larger area is required. Explore contemporary Clearspan marquees ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/products/marquees/clearspan-marquees) [ ![Ultimate pagoda used for The Orangerie Bar bar unit at Royal Ascot, supplied and installed by GL events UK](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Ultimate/_1124x600_crop_center-center_none/Royal-Ascot-2023-0171.jpg) Ultimate pagoda GL events UK’s Ultimate pagodas are perfect for use as bars, retail units and bespoke feature areas at any event. Discover our ultimate, Italian designed pagodas ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/ultimate-pagoda) [ ![Piazza pagodas used for retail units at The Piece Hall Christmas market, Halifax. Supplied and installed by GL events UK](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Piazza/_1124x600_crop_center-center_none/The-Piece-Hall-2024-037.jpg) Piazza pagoda The Piazza pagoda is a popular choice for use as retail outlets, catering outlets, information points or administration and ticketing offices. Uncover the popular Piazza pagodas ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/piazza-pagoda) [ ![Garden pagoda retail unit at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, supplied and installed by GL events UK](https://www.glevents.co.uk/uploads/images/Landing-pages/Garden/_1124x600_crop_center-center_none/RHS-Chelsea-2023-0260.jpg) Garden pagoda Our Garden pagodas are the perfect solution for simple trade and retail kiosks at any event. Meet the simple and reliable Garden pagodas ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/garden-pagoda) ## Find the right look and feel for your event. Whatever your brief, you can trust GL events to deliver a tailor-made solution that will enable your creative vision, leaving you safe in the knowledge that your event space is perfectly fit for purpose. [ Return back to our marquee overview ](https://www.glevents.co.uk/products/marquees) ## Contact us