Business Details
34 Years
experience
Expert Marquee Hire Services in Devon
Established in 1992, The Devon Marquee has built an unparalleled reputation as the South West's original marquee firm. With over 35 years of experience and 8,000+ events completed, our team specialises in creating bespoke spaces for weddings, festivals, corporate events, and public sector projects across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset. Our expertise spans traditional wooden pole tents to contemporary clearspan structures, accommodating events from intimate gatherings to 10,000-capacity venues. We pride ourselves on tackling challenging locationsfrom hilltops to ice rinkswith absolute reliability and technical precision.Our in-house team of tent-making specialists, led by founders George Lyon-Smith and directors Jack Stamp and Tommy Lyon-Smith, combines generational knowledge with modern innovation. We offer end-to-end solutions including marquee manufacturing, cleaning facilities, and 24/7 logistical support, ensuring every client receives tailored service backed by decades of industry leadership.
Services
Wedding Marquees
Festival Structures
Corporate Event Tents
Marquee Manufacturing
Furnishings Hire
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have 35 years of experience creating bespoke marquee spaces across challenging terrains.
- Our team has completed over 8,000 events with absolute reliability and technical precision.
- We offer end-to-end solutions from initial consultation to 24/7 logistical support.
- Our in-house tent-making specialists deliver custom covers for any marquee structure.
- We operate the South West's most advanced marquee cleaning and maintenance facilities.
Services
Wedding Marquees
We create bespoke wedding marquees tailored to individual visions, from intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations. Our traditional canvas and contemporary clearspan structures adapt to any terrain, offering flexible configurations with flooring, linings, and decorative options. With experience curating 3,000+ weddings, we ensure seamless execution even in challenging locations.
Festival Structures
Our festival marquee solutions combine durability with aesthetic appeal for events ranging from food festivals to music concerts. The structures accommodate varying guest numbers and site conditions, featuring adaptable layouts and weather-resistant designs. We support environmental goals through sustainable setup practices and efficient logistics management across 50+ annual events.
Corporate Event Tents
We deliver premium temporary spaces for corporate functions including product launches, conferences, and award ceremonies. Our clearspan marquees provide column-free environments suitable for up to 1,000 guests, with customisable interiors and integration capabilities for AV equipment and branding elements. Long-term hire options are available for educational and healthcare facilities.
Marquee Manufacturing
Our in-house tent-making team creates bespoke covers and linings for all marquee types, including bell tents and tipis. Using traditional techniques refined over 30 years, we produce durable, weatherproof solutions tailored to specific structural requirements. The department also offers repair services and maintains a stock of replacement components.
Furnishings Hire
We provide comprehensive furnishing solutions to complete marquee interiors, including rustic pine tables, glass windows, and decorative star cloth linings. Our network of suppliers offers additional options for customised event styling, ensuring every space meets clients' aesthetic and functional requirements while maintaining safety standards.
People
George Lyon-Smith
CEO and Founder
Founded the company in 1992 after his sister's wedding. With 30+ years' experience and 3,000+ events completed, he oversees operations with encyclopedic knowledge of marquee construction and client relations.
Jack Stamp
Director of Operations
Former British Army officer with logistics expertise. Manages client consultations, site assessments, and compliance procedures since joining in 2021, ensuring seamless event coordination from planning to execution.
Tommy Lyon-Smith
Director of Logistics
Joined the family business in 2024 after racing industry career. Oversees on-site operations and logistics, applying organisational skills developed through managing high-profile equestrian events across the UK.
Sarah Bowden
Office Admin
Coordinates bookings and client communications while managing administrative operations. Combines organisational expertise from farming background with attention to detail required for handling 200+ annual events.
Wayne Clarke
Manager
20-year industry veteran specialising in large-scale public events. Transforms challenging sites into functional spaces for thousands of guests, applying practical expertise in temporary structure engineering and crowd management.
Questions
What areas do you cover for marquee hire?
We operate across the South West including Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset, with experience working in diverse terrains from coastal locations to urban centres.
Can you build marquees on difficult sites?
Yes, our team specialises in challenging locations including listed heritage sites, sloped terrain, and over water features like swimming pools and fountains.
Do you offer complete event solutions?
We provide both standalone marquee installations and full turnkey solutions with furnishings, logistics coordination, and 24/7 support throughout your event.
What marquee sizes are available?
Our range accommodates 15 to 10,000 guests, with traditional tents from 15-500 capacity and clearspan structures up to 1,000 guests in single units.
How do you ensure marquee quality?
We maintain a dedicated wash shed facility with automated cleaning systems and employ specialist tent makers for repairs and custom manufacturing.
Can you support sustainability goals?
We implement resource-efficient practices and work with clients to develop environmentally conscious event plans while maintaining structural integrity and safety standards.
