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MUTA
Temporary Structures – Another Marquee Signing
Rugby grounds and other sporting
venues often benefit from extra event
space provided by marquees and other
temporary structures. Some clubs even
use these types of structures for more
permanent installations, a good example
being Fanzones.
Fanzone areas are typically located near
to the entry of the ground to encourage
the free-flow of fans in the run up to the
match. They are an ideal way of the
club engaging with supporters, sponsors
and the wider community “outside” while
offering weather protection and controlling
access to the space.
Such structures, which typically do not
require planning permission, can be used
as meeting points complete with lighting,
temperature control, signage, big screens,
refreshments, family activities and media
& promotion areas.
There are a wide range of temporary
structure options available covering small
spaces right up to single structures that
can cover a whole pitch.
Traditional Marquees are popular for
private functions and are widely available
and easy to erect in widths from 20ft to
100ft.
Frame Marquees, as the name suggests,
consist of a rigid steel or aluminium frame
over which covers are positioned. These
marquees can be any size from 3m to
50m wide and can be up to 300m long.
The uninterrupted internal space of frame
structures makes them very popular
for a wide variety of events from private
functions to corporate hospitality and large
exhibitions. In addition the engineered
frame used for this type of marquee can
accept higher levels of loading by way
of accessories, such as doors, glass
windows, side panels, lighting, sound and
sophisticated flooring systems.
Nordic Tipis take the familiar tipi-shaped
tent, scale it up, and introduce the
capability to link multiple Nordic Tipis
together. Different linking techniques can
be used to create all manner of interesting
shapes to meet the requirements of
4 Issue 54
individual events. The main poles are
the trunks of late-maturing spruce trees
harvested sustainably in the far north of
Sweden, and the covers ar e a canvas
fabric. The overall effect is natural and
unusual.
All MUTA members abide by the Best
Practice Guide for the Safe Use and
Operation of
Stretch Tents are characterised by
funky shapes in a wide variety of
colours. They use a special
technical fabric that is
stretchy but also provides
structural stability. The
fabric is anchored at
its corners and along
it sides, and poles
of different lengths
are pushed up to
create the iconic
shapes.
Inflatable
Tents use air
to support the
structure. They
typically use air
beams, tubular
construction or
cellular
walls
and are highly
customisable and
capable of being
branded.
Once you have chosen
the style of temporary
structure for your event, it
is important to take time to
choose a reputable hirer too.
There are some brilliant marquee
and tent hirers out there, and some
very poor ones too. The best will build
you a first-class structure, keep your
stress levels low, manage your on-site risk
and be a delight to work with. The worst
ones will make your event a nightmare.
To help in your choice, MUTA, the UK's
only trade association dedicated to
marquees,
tents and structures, has prepared a Guide
to Choosing a Hirer which is available to
download for free from www.muta.org.uk
Permanent Fanzone
Shelter (Aquila Shelters)
Te m p o r a r y
Demountable
Structures
which
is
supported by the Health & Safety
Executive. In addition all members
are subject to regular Health & Safety
inspections and are fully insured.