The UK has a temperate climate where summer and winter months can often be wet, although winter temperatures are cooler and in the summer they are warmer. We do not have extreme heat, cold, drought or wind as found in other climates although I think we can agree the UK weather can be unpredictable. So what does this mean for UK businesses showcasing their products and services at outdoor events?
Gazebos have long been the ideal shelter for events, markets, motorsports and other events. Given that it is risky to rely on the UK weather forecast, choosing the right commercial gazebo for your events is a decision that cannot be underrated. Get it right and your gazebo will give you years of faithful service keeping you covered whatever the weather. Get it wrong, and you could be left exposed to the elements!
So what are the main points you should consider for your commercial gazebo.
Location in the UK
Where in the UK do you plan to use your gazebo? There are many ways that location can affect the local climate. Environmental factors such as topography and aspect all play a part in influencing temperature, wind and rainfall. Scotland, the north west, west and south west of England have a higher than average rainfall than the east and south east of the UK. Northern regions are also typically cooler that the south and east of the country, and can experience higher wind speeds.
Site Conditions
Where will your gazebo be set up? In a field, alongside a race track, a street market or village fete? How exposed is the location to wind and rain, what is there around you (trees, hedges, race stands or nothing) and what are the ground conditions like? Where you are pitching on soft ground, how suitable is this for pegs and guy ropes? Sandy soil can mean anchoring gazebos with pegs is less affective than clay conditions and so you may need to add leg weights. If you are on hardstanding, how can you secure the gazebo during use?
Shelter in an instant
Ideally you want your event gazebo to be robust but lightweight, quick to set up and takedown, and easy to transport. Particularly if the weather is not favourable. During set up and takedown you don’t want to be reliant on tools to assemble or disassemble your frame. Pop up commercial gazebos are readily available and ideal for event use.
Weatherproof
Come rain or shine, a commercial gazebo needs to provide effective shelter from the rain, sun and wind. Protecting your visitors, your goods and preventing last minute weather related cancellations is key. As well as waterproof fabric, commercial gazebos should also hold the British Standards for flame retardancy. This is for the safety of participants and the general public. Most event organisers will insist on the relevant BS certification so buying a compliant commercial gazebo will ensure you meet the required standards.
So what are your buying options?
Which gazebo company?
Firstly find a trusted commercial gazebo supplier with a proven track record of providing event gazebos that are suitable for outdoor UK events. Established gazebo companies have years of experience in the commercial gazebo market and will be able to offer helpful information and advice. Avoid the domestic gazebo suppliers. Their products are fine for home garden use but they are not of commercial grade. Remember the saying buy cheap, buy twice!
Pick the style of gazebo
Search for a commercial gazebo that is a pop up design without the need for assembly or tools. These take just minutes to set up, providing instant shelter from the sun or rain. Look for an aluminium frame with cast alloy joints for strength and durability. Choose a supplier that offers a comprehensive warranty with a full range spare parts – accidental damage can and does happen! Gazebos that simply fold down with the canopy installed ready for transport, will save time and effort when packing up after a long day. If you have limited space in your vehicle, there are compact frames available that collapse down to a size that will fit into smaller vehicles.
How can the gazebo be secured during the event?
When it comes to security, there are lots of options. Pegs and guy ropes are a good start but consider heavy duty ratchet straps and pegs, or metal leg weights that go around the footplate for added peace of mind. Some pop up gazebos have holes in the footplates allowing you to secure the gazebo with bolts drilled into the hardstanding. You would need to ask the permission of the event organisers to ensure this is allowed though. Add sidewalls to the gazebo to help cut down exposure to the wind, rain and sun under the canopy. Having the option to either raise or lower the height of the gazebo can also be beneficial in the UK weather. Especially if you experience sudden gusts of wind.
Buy a gazebo that is future proof
Although pop up gazebos are temporary structures, used correctly, and with sufficient anchorage, the right commercial gazebo will withstand much of the UK weather. Check the canopy and sidewalls are rated to withstand rain. Canopy seams should the heat tape sealed and all stress points reinforced to increase strength and durability. The fabric should be waterproof and UV resistant helping to prevent the material fading from sun exposure.
Customise your gazebo for impact
Add impact to your event shelter by custom printing your gazebo with your brand or message. Printed commercial gazebos can also be used for outdoor events throughout the UK. They offer the same weather protection as unprinted gazebos. Plus they will make your business stand out from the crowd!
Ask yourself the right questions
When buying a commercial gazebo, you can’t go far wrong by asking thinking about the following:
- The PURPOSE you want your shelter for
- The FREQUENCY that you will use your shelter
- The BUDGET you have to spend on your shelter
- The GROUND SURFACE your shelter will stand on
- The LOCATION and EXPOSURE of your shelter pitch
Read more in our Gazebo Buying Guide.
The right commercial gazebo will deliver a successful event whatever the UK weather
