How Much Wind Can a Marquee Withstand?
Understanding Wind Resistance for PVC Event Marquees – With Real Data
When it comes to using marquees for events, markets, or commercial hire, wind is the one uncontrollable factor that can make or break a structure’s safety. Yet many suppliers avoid offering clear guidance on safe wind limits — leaving organisers, hirers and venue teams in the dark.
At Gala Tent, we’ve conducted one of the most in-depth marquee wind resistance studies in the UK. This page offers a detailed breakdown of what you need to know about safe wind speeds for our PVC marquees — with real figures, proper anchoring considerations, and professional guidance.
Why Wind Resistance Matters
Marquees are temporary structures — but that doesn’t mean they should be fragile.
If a marquee isn’t properly secured, or if it’s deployed in unsuitable conditions, strong gusts can cause serious damage:
Torn covers
Collapsing frames
Risk to people, stock, or equipment
Understanding how much wind your marquee can safely withstand helps prevent downtime, liability, and avoidable repair costs.
What Affects Wind Resistance?
Several factors influence how well a marquee performs in windy conditions:
Size of the Structure – Larger marquees present more surface area to the wind
Frame Strength – Gala Tent marquees use 38mm and 42mm steel framework, with welded joints for added rigidity
Cover Material – Our 650gsm PVC is high-tensile (tensile rating 2160N), keeping the structure taut and resistant to flapping or tearing
Anchoring – The right use of water ballast and ground pegs massively improves stability, especially on soft ground
Location and Exposure – An open field is very different to a sheltered courtyard — you must always assess surroundings
Maximum Recommended Wind Speeds for Gala Tent PVC Marquees
| Marquee Size | Anchored on Hard Ground | Anchored on Soft Ground |
|---|---|---|
| 3m x 2m | 28–32mph (45–51km/h) | 32–36mph (51–58km/h) |
| 3m x 3m | 26–30mph (42–48km/h) | 30–34mph (48–55km/h) |
| 3m x 4m | 24–28mph (39–45km/h) | 28–32mph (45–51km/h) |
| 3m x 6m | 22–26mph (35–42km/h) | 26–30mph (42–48km/h) |
| 3m x 8m | 20–24mph (32–39km/h) | 24–28mph (39–45km/h) |
| 4m x 4m | 26–30mph (42–48km/h) | 30–34mph (48–55km/h) |
| 4m x 6m | 24–28mph (39–45km/h) | 28–32mph (45–51km/h) |
| 6m x 6m | 20–24mph (32–39km/h) | 26–30mph (42–48km/h)* |
| 6m x 8m | 18–22mph (29–35km/h) | 24–28mph (39–45km/h)* |
| 6m x 10m | 16–20mph (26–32km/h) | 22–26mph (35–42km/h)* |
| 6m x 12m | 14–18mph (23–29km/h) | 20–24mph (32–39km/h)* |
Safe Use Checklist
To ensure your marquee performs to its maximum wind resistance:
Always tension the canopy fully
Anchor every leg — with weights on hard ground and ground pegs on soft
Use ground bars to connect legs and add base-level rigidity
Regularly check guy ropes, weights and fixings during long deployments
Never leave a marquee unattended in stormy or extreme weather
What If You’re Expecting High Winds?
If wind speeds are forecast to exceed the safe operating range for your structure:
Reinforce anchoring immediately
Lower the canopy or dismantle the marquee if possible
Consider postponing setup if your event is still days away
The most dangerous failures happen when strong gusts hit an unmonitored or poorly secured marquee. Prevention is key.
Want the Full Technical Breakdown?
We’ve compiled all our findings, structural data, and wind performance analysis into a comprehensive white paper for professionals, hirers, councils and organisers.
It’s free to download and contains:
Safe wind speeds by size and setup
Ground type comparison
Practical advice and limitations
Methodology and structural specifications
Download the Gala Tent Wind Resistance Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum wind speed for a marquee?
The safe wind speed varies depending on the size of the marquee, the surface it’s anchored to, and the anchoring method. A compact 3m x 2m PVC Gala Tent marquee can typically withstand up to 36mph (58km/h) on soft ground when properly pegged and weighted. Larger structures like 6m x 12m units have lower safe limits due to their increased surface area and uplift potential.
Are marquees safe in strong wind?
Marquees are safe in moderate wind conditions if they are anchored correctly using the right weights or ground stakes. However, in wind speeds over 30mph (48km/h), extra precautions must be taken, and in some cases, it’s advisable to take the structure down or delay setup altogether. Always consult the wind resistance guidance provided for your specific marquee size.
How can I secure a marquee against wind?
Use water weights or concrete ballast on hard standing, and ground stakes combined with ground bars on soft surfaces. Tension the canopy properly and make sure each leg is independently anchored. Gala Tent recommends using up to 100kg of ballast per leg on large PVC marquees for optimum stability.
Alexandrea