Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Marquee Hire & Event Equipment Specialists in Dorset
Established in 1944, we are a family-run business with deep roots in Dorset, dedicated to delivering exceptional marquee solutions and event services. Our expertise spans traditional 'Pole & Canvas' marquees, modern frame marquees, and comprehensive event equipment hire, tailored to meet diverse needs from weddings to corporate events. With over 75 years of experience in event logistics, we combine time-honoured craftsmanship with modern innovation to ensure every client receives bespoke advice and high-quality installations.Our commitment to traditional values of courtesy, reliability, and professionalism underpins every project, while our collaboration with specialist suppliers ensures seamless access to additional services like heating, lighting, and furniture hire. We pride ourselves on offering free, expert guidance to help clients optimise their event budgets, ensuring stress-free planning and outstanding results.
Services
Traditional Marquees
Modern Frame Marquees
Event Equipment Hire
Tent Manufacturing
Tent Repair
Table Linen Hire
Furniture Hire
Heating Solutions
Lighting and Flooring
Event Planning Advice
Details
- Year established: 1944
Highlights and features
- Family-run business with 75 years of experience in event logistics.
- Specialists in both traditional and modern marquee designs.
- Offer bespoke solutions tailored to client needs.
- Provide free expert advice to optimise event budgets.
- Collaborate with trusted local suppliers for comprehensive event needs.
What people say
Professional team
Bespoke service
High standards
Magical
Wonderful service
Services
Traditional Marquees
Handcrafted 'Pole & Canvas' marquees combining timeless design with durable materials. Ideal for weddings and festivals, these structures offer rustic charm and adaptability for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations. Our skilled tentmakers ensure each installation meets exacting standards of quality and aesthetics.
Modern Frame Marquees
Spacious aluminium-frame marquees with unobstructed interiors for flexible event layouts. Available in various sizes, these weather-resistant structures feature optional linings, lighting, and flooring to create sophisticated environments for corporate functions, exhibitions, and private events while maintaining structural integrity.
Event Equipment Hire
Comprehensive rental solutions including furniture, lighting, heating, and sanitation units. Collaborating with specialist suppliers ensures clients access to essential ancillary services like generators, refrigeration, and luxury restroom trailers, providing complete logistical support for events of all scales and types.
Tent Manufacturing
Custom-built canvas structures using traditional techniques passed down through generations. We create marquees, vehicle covers, and historical reenactment tents with precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke dimensions, period-accurate designs, and durable materials suited for both commercial hire and private collections.
Event Planning Advice
Expert guidance on marquee selection, layout optimisation, and budget management for seamless event execution. Drawing on decades of logistical experience, we provide practical recommendations to maximise space efficiency, enhance guest comfort, and ensure compliance with safety regulations for diverse event scenarios.
Questions
What types of marquees do you offer?
We provide traditional 'Pole & Canvas' marquees with wooden frames and guy ropes, plus modern aluminium-frame 'Clearspan' marquees with uninterrupted interiors. Sizes range from small gazebos to 200ft+ festival tents.
Do you offer event planning assistance?
Yes, our 75 years of event logistics experience allows us to provide free advice on marquee selection, layout optimisation, and budget management to ensure successful event execution.
What areas do you serve?
Based in Dorset, we operate across the South West, southern England, and the Home Counties, delivering equipment and services to both rural and urban locations within these regions.
Do you offer tent repair services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive repair solutions including canvas patching, rope splicing, pole painting, and structural reinforcement to maintain your tent's longevity and safety standards.
What additional event equipment can you provide?
Through partnerships with specialist suppliers, we offer heating units, lighting systems, flooring options, furniture rentals, and sanitation trailers to complement your marquee requirements.
Reviews (5)
Gemma Wilton
Dec 02, 2020
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Ernest G Hart Ltd provide outstanding customer service from start to finish. We have been using them for all our marquee needs for over 8 years and they always provide an exceptional service and can help advise on what structure and layout would be best for our needs. The team come and put up the marquee in incredible time and happily tweak positioning and advice on current weather conditions to suit the situation. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending their service to others.
Tom Buck
Nov 25, 2020
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Professional team, providing a bespoke service, delivering high standards. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone running events or similar.
Andy Palmer
Oct 26, 2020
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We have used Harts for years and years. They offer a bespoke and precise and affordable service heartily recommend Harts
Gr
Sep 26, 2020
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Thanks for the amazing tent for my birthday. I'd highly recommend this firm, very professional and friendly. The festoon lighting looked great. Hope to use their services again when covid allows.
Cara Howson
Sep 13, 2016
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Dear Jon and the team. Thank you so much for supplying us with our wedding marquee. Put up on the Thursday dismantled on the Monday and I didn't have to be there at all. It was the perfect size! We also hired our tables, chairs, table linen, coconut flooring, dance floor, heater & side lights from the company and all were brilliant! I would definetley recommend Ernest G Hart it was a hassle free process.
