Tents & Shamianas

Types

• Traditional shamiana — cloth canopy on poles for weddings, meetings and community events.
• Pagoda tent — peaked frame tents often used for gardens, receptions and exhibitions.
• Hanger or clear-span tent — aluminium frame with large open space, for exhibitions and trade fairs.
• Dome and geodesic tents — strong round structures for events and camps.
• Relief and army-style tents — waterproof, rugged tents for disaster relief, camps and site offices.
• Rental party tents and canopies — small pop-up gazebos for stalls and registration desks.

What to check before buying

• Size in square feet or metres and the headcount it can hold with seating or standing.
• Fabric type, such as PVC-coated polyester or canvas, with waterproof and UV-resistant coating.
• Fire-retardant treatment, especially for indoor or crowded events.
• Frame material and wind rating, with ground anchoring, ropes and pegs.
• Flooring, lighting, side walls and fans, and whether they are included.
• Set-up and dismantling time, a crew, rental or purchase terms and a GST invoice.

Who buys them

Event organisers, schools, housing societies, contractors, NGOs, factories, hospitals running camps, and government offices.

Frequently asked questions

How big a tent do I need for 200 guests?

Allow around 8 to 10 square feet per seated guest, so about 1,600 to 2,000 square feet for 200 seated guests, plus space for a stage or buffet.

Can tents withstand rain and wind?

Waterproof fabric and a firm frame help, but each structure has a wind limit, so ask for the supplier's rating and anchor properly.

Should I rent or buy?

Rent for one-time events, since the supplier handles storage and set-up. Buy if you use the tent often, such as for camps.