Business Details
34 Years
experience
Bespoke Marquee Hire for Weddings & Events in the South West
Established in 1992, The Devon Marquee has built a reputation as the South West's original marquee firm. With over 35 years of collective experience, our team specialises in creating bespoke event spaces for weddings, festivals, corporate events, and public gatherings across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset. Our expertise spans traditional wooden pole marquees to contemporary clearspan structures, with over 200 events constructed annually. Led by founders George Lyon-Smith and a dedicated team of professionals, we combine encyclopedic knowledge with a passion for precision, having successfully completed over 8,000 events in challenging locations ranging from harbours to stadiums.Our in-house manufacturing and cleaning facilities ensure equipment remains pristine, while our 24/7 support guarantees client satisfaction. We pride ourselves on transforming unique visions into reality, whether for intimate celebrations or large-scale public events.
Services
Wedding Marquees
Festival Structures
Corporate Event Spaces
Marquee Manufacturing
Furnishings Hire
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 35 years of collective experience in marquee construction
- Family-run business with three generations of expertise
- Bespoke solutions for challenging locations and weather conditions
- 24/7 support throughout the event planning and execution
- In-house manufacturing and cleaning facilities for equipment maintenance
Services
Wedding Marquees
We create bespoke wedding spaces using traditional canvas or contemporary clearspan marquees. Our team specialises in transforming venues across the South West, accommodating guest numbers from 15 to 500. With over 3,000 weddings completed, we offer expert guidance on configurations, decorations, and furnishings to create perfect celebration spaces.
Festival Structures
Our festival marquee solutions include traditional, clearspan, and oriental-style structures for temporary event spaces. We build over 50 annual events including food festivals, music concerts, and heritage shows. Our expertise includes sustainable installations and complex site adaptations for both urban and rural locations across the South West.
Corporate Event Spaces
We deliver marquee solutions for corporate events ranging from product launches to international summits. Our portfolio includes 4,800+ installations for public sector clients including the NHS and educational institutions. We offer complete turnkey solutions with 24/7 support for events accommodating up to 10,000 guests.
Marquee Manufacturing
Our in-house manufacturing department creates bespoke marquee covers, linings, and accessories. With 30+ years' experience, our specialist team produces custom solutions for all marquee types including bell tents and big tops. We also offer repair services and new cover production using traditional and modern techniques.
Furnishings Hire
We provide comprehensive furnishing solutions including glass windows, star cloth linings, and rustic pine furniture. Our network of suppliers offers additional decor options to complement any marquee style. This service ensures complete event spaces that match clients' specific aesthetic requirements.
People
George Lyon-Smith
CEO and Founder
Founder of The Devon Marquee since 1992, George has built over 3,000 events across the South West. With encyclopedic knowledge and a passion for precision, he combines business leadership with hands-on expertise in marquee construction.
Jack Stamp
Director of Operations
Former British Army officer with logistics expertise, Jack manages client relations and event coordination. He oversees compliance and supplier partnerships while balancing family commitments and outdoor activities in his personal time.
Tommy Lyon-Smith
Director of Logistics
Third-generation marquee expert with racing industry experience, Tommy ensures seamless on-site operations. He manages logistics teams and provides direct client support, combining family knowledge with fresh perspectives gained from his international racing career.
Sarah Bowden
Office Admin
Sarah coordinates client events and logistics from the office, balancing administrative responsibilities with family life. Her attention to detail ensures smooth operations between field teams and clients while managing the company's organisational needs.
Wayne Clarke
Manager
With 20+ years' industry experience, Wayne manages large-scale events across the South West. His resourcefulness transforms challenging sites into functional event spaces, balancing professional expertise with family commitments in his personal life.
Questions
What areas do you cover for marquee hire?
We operate across the South West including Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset, providing marquee solutions for both urban and rural locations.
Can you handle challenging event locations?
Yes, we specialise in complex installations including harbours, hilltops, stadiums, and over water features with our adaptable marquee systems.
What types of marquees do you offer?
We provide three main types: Traditional canvas marquees, Clearspan structures for large events, and Oriental-style tents for smaller gatherings.
Do you offer complete event solutions?
Yes, we provide full-service options including design, installation, furnishings, and 24/7 support alongside basic marquee hire services.
How experienced is your team?
Our team has completed over 8,000 events since 1992, with individual team members bringing decades of specialist experience across different marquee types and event formats.
