Clearspan vs. Traditional Marquees: Which Fits Your Event in East Anglia?
Traditional Marquee photo by Luis Holden
Planning a marquee event in Norfolk, Suffolk or Cambridgeshire? One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to choose a Clearspan or Traditional marquee. While both offer stunning setups, the right choice depends on your venue, aesthetic preferences, and the unpredictable British weather.
With over 40 years of marquee hire experience across East Anglia, Weatherfield Marquees is here to guide you through the decision.
What Is a Clearspan Marquee?
Clearspan marquees are modern structures with an internal aluminium frame and no internal poles or guy ropes. This creates a wide, uninterrupted interior—perfect for flexible layouts and hard-standing surfaces like car parks or patios.
Advantages of Clearspan:
- No internal obstructions—maximum layout freedom
- Ideal for uneven ground, tight spaces, or urban venues
- Can be placed flush against buildings or fences
- Easily customisable with linings, flooring, lighting & more
Perfect for: Corporate events, winter weddings, exhibitions, and venues with space constraints.
What Is a Traditional Marquee?
Traditional marquees are elegant structures supported by centre poles and held in place with exterior guy ropes. They offer a romantic, heritage aesthetic, especially when pitched in lush green fields.
Advantages of Clearspan:
- Classic elegance—the marquee style seen in period dramas
- Flowing fabric, warm accents and natural lines
- Works beautifully in countryside settings
- Often more budget-friendly for smaller events
Perfect for: Rustic weddings, summer garden parties, country shows, and festivals.
Traditional Marquee photo by Luis Holden
| Feature | Clearspan Marquee | Traditional Marquee |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Poles | None | Central poles present |
| Guy Ropes | None | Required |
| Ground Type | Works on hard surfaces | Works on soft ground |
| Aesthetic | Modern, sleek | Classic, romantic |
| Weatherproofing | Highly weather-resistant | Weather-resistant |
| Layout Flexibility | High | Moderate |
Which One Should You Choose?
Consider the following:
- Venue constraints – Is your site limited in width or surrounded by walls?
- Event type – Formal dinner, festival, wedding, exhibition?
- Season – Wet or windy? Clearspan is optimal for high-exposure sites.
- Look & feel – Rustic charm vs. modern minimalism?
Need help? We’ve got you covered.
Browse our Gallery for inspiration.
Still Unsure? Let’s Talk.
At Weatherfield Marquees, we offer free, no-obligation site visits and bespoke quotes based on your vision. Whether you’re planning a festival in Thetford Forest or a Norfolk summer celebration, we’ll help you choose the marquee that fits.
Get in touch today via our Contact Form or call us directly on 01953 885151.