5 interactive ideas to engage your event guests

Whether you’re hosting a conference, wedding, workshop, or team-building event – getting your guests involved is a great way to keep them engaged and active in the conversation. Here are a few ways to keep them on their toes… 

Catch the mic 

Let your guests share their thoughts by throwing an interactive microphone ball around. A great example of this is a Catchbox – a soft box with a microphone inside. This is a fun way of hearing your guests’ opinions and allowing them to interact with the speaker.  

Livestream your event 

Create some hype at your event by livestreaming on social media and getting guests involved. You could do this by setting up a dedicated social media area where people can be interviewed about the event. It’s also a good idea to have an area where your attendees can create content with your company logo and colours in the background. 

Transport your guests using VR  

Help your guests visualise a product or a place through the power of virtual reality (VR). For example, if you were promoting an African safari, your guests could be transported amongst the animals via a VR headset. Or, if you want to show off a product like a new car model, VR can help your guests to visually see all its features. The possibilities are endless!  

Interactive food and drink stands 

In recent years this has become more and more popular at events – especially weddings. Instead of opting for another drab buffet, excite your guests with something different. You could have a make-your-own pizza station, a portable oyster bar, or a cheesecake table. As for drinks, provide a ‘pimp your hot chocolate’ station, complete with cream and lots of indulgent toppings. As they say, a way to someone’s heart is through the stomach.  

Customisable photobooth  

Create a lasting memory for your guests with a unique photo or video to keep. There are lots of products out there including selfie pods, GIF photo booths, and roaming photo booths. These are hireable at companies like Boothco. 

We’ve got you covered 

Engaging guests at your event will not only give them a positive experience, but it can make your event the talk of the town and if it’s an annual event will keep them coming back each year and help you to promote future events. 

If you’re planning an event in 2024 and need an event structure we have you covered. Take a look at a few of our Saddlespan tents which are fantastic for creating interactive events. 


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How to cosy up your event tent in the darker months

Even though it’s wetter and darker, don’t be put off having an event in autumn or winter. It can be just as fantastic as the summer months – sometimes even more. We let you in on our top tips to creating a magical, cosy event fit for the season.  

Warming it up 

Before you even begin to think about how to decorate the space, you need to think about the heating. There are many different options to heating up an event tent, but your top priority must always be choosing the safest option.  

One of these options is an indirect diesel heater which sits outside the tent and provides warm air through duct pipes. Or you could go for thermostat-controlled heaters which are fantastic for large spaces. We’d advise consulting with a tent specialist before making your decision. Our team can help!  

Light up the night 

The lighting you decide will be pinnacle in setting the mood of the event. To make an event cosy, you need soft, warm lighting that’s easy on the eye. We suggest fairy lights or lamps that are spotted around to give it a bit of atmosphere.  

Cook up a storm 

If you’re providing food at your event, think of comfort foods. A hot jacket potato, a sizzling macaroni cheese, or a spicy chilli. This is just an extra touch to keeping your guests warm and satisfied.  

If you’re looking for a hot drink to warm your guests’ bellies, what’s better than a hot chocolate with a mountain of marshmallows. Alternatively, an alcoholic option could be warm cider or mulled wine.   

Time to make it snug 

Once the essentials are covered, you’ll be wanting to decorate it to create optimum snugness. If your event is in the autumn, be sure to use warm orange and reds. There’ll also be plenty of pumpkins around at this time which make for nice decoration – whether you carve them or fill them with flowers.  

If you’re having seating areas, you could also provide fluffy blankets and pillows to really set the scene. This will help keep your guests warm and give off a cool Scandi vibe.   

Warming entertainment 

Now as much as we want the event to be cosy, we still want people to be awake. So, booking some entertainment will keep your guests engaged. If you’re looking to get your guests giggling think about booking a comedian or a drag queen. We just hope you’re not sitting on the front row.  

We hope these tips will help you on your way to having the snuggest event possible.  

If you have an upcoming event in 2024, we’d like to help you with your event tent needs. Find our full range of SaddleSpan tents here. 


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Beyond the Beats: The Amazing Tent Co’s Summer of 2023

As the vibrant days of summer start to fade, we are reflecting on Summer 2023. It has been a whirlwind of extraordinary festivals, concerts, and events for us at The Amazing Tent Co. We have been at the heart of many exciting experiences with our SaddleSpans, transforming the humble field into a realm of creativity, comfort, and exclusivity. Within the kaleidoscope of summer, our versatile SaddleSpan structures have become part of the landscape of festivals, concerts, and outdoor extravaganzas.  

In what has been a summer of mixed British weather, amidst the sea of glitter, elaborate costumed festival-goers, and thumping beats, our SaddleSpans have provided a haven of continuity, ensuring that the show goes on regardless of the elements. Whilst sometimes associated with more utilitarian purposes, SaddleSpans metamorphosise of the event tent – housing everything from sprawling stages to cosy bar areas and exclusive VIP zones. 

Our summer journey helped to provide festival shelter and comfort, with spaces to rest, connect, and rejuvenate. From the sun-drenched shores of Cornwall’s Boardmasters, to the star-studded BBC Radio One Big Weekend. We ventured further north to the dual engines of Leeds & Reading Festivals where bands and fans created unmatched festival experiences. The Big Feastival offered a different kind of event—one of flavours and aromas merging from food stalls to open-air stages. Creamfields North & South, was an immersion into the electronic realm, of pulsating beats and dazzling lights.  

The intricate planning, collaboration, and dedication that goes on behind the scenes ensures that The Amazing Tent Co’s SaddleSpans enhance the festival experience – uniting style, innovation, and functionality as extensions of the festival spirit— as places to take cover, mingle, and connect, immersed in the magic of music and community. 

So, here’s to next year’s mud-splattered wellies or sun-kissed skin festival and event season. However next summer unfolds, now is the time to contact us to discuss how we can support you to create an unforgettable 2024 festival experience. +44 (0)7778 835 207 / enquiries@amazingtent.co.uk 

 

Photo credit: Anthony Mooney 

 

 

 


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Cool ways to stay cool

We pitch our SaddleSpans at venues across Europe and the UK, with many installations being on hot summer’s days. Through our years of experience, we’ve developed some canny ideas to keep our crew cool as they set up. Here’s just a few things we do to stay chill during the summer heat:  

  • Make use of the breeze. If you’re by the coast, or somewhere that has a natural breeze, make the most of it. Consider keeping one, or both sides, of the #SaddleSpan open so that a through breeze keeps your clients cool. 

 

  • Set up in the shade. If you have the opportunity to pick your pitch at the festival, exhibition, or event within larger grounds, it’s worth thinking about pitching it up in the shade. Try the shade given from an existing building or under a canopy of trees – we’ll worry about the height clearance and safety of this, and advise you accordingly. 

 

  • Hire a portable air conditioner or cooler. This is essential in any heat wave or if you’re working in southern Europe or a Middle East venue. We can advise on suppliers for these too. 

 

  • Let down the sides and open all entrances. If air con isn’t an option, due to budget or location keep the air flowing by letting down all the sides of the tent down. Alternatively, if you can’t let the sides down on your #SaddleSpan, then we suggest you open all entrances and consider large fans. 

 

  • Stay hydrated. One of the most important, and one of the most often forgotten at festivals, events and parties! ;o) 

 

Stay cool with us next summer and call us to book in your event: 44 (0)7778 835 207 / enquiries@amazingtent.co.uk  

 

#EventTent #EventVenue #EventSuppliers #TentHire #MarqueeHire #StayCool 

 

 

 


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Making your event tent ‘summery’!

As well as large events and festivals, a smaller summer celebration can be the perfect way to party – weddings, birthdays, corporate fun days, engagements, and christening parties can all be enjoyed in a Saddlespan. Make the most of the warmer weather and create a fun, beautiful environment for your colleagues, friends, and family.

Here’s our top tips for planning your exceptional event this summer in one of our unique structures: 

  • Choosing the right size SaddleSpan – before ordering, consider the number of guests you are hosting and the type of party. Is it a sit-down event with food and drinks? Will you want to dance under the stars or be covered by a canopy? 
  • Decoration is key – weddings and christenings might be lighter décor with chandeliers, and an engagement or birthday party might be themed to suit the couple or birthday person’s interests. We have many contacts in the tent interiors business who can guide you with these choices. 
  • Would you like a side with that? – for a family fun day you might opt for a circus or Hawaiian theme, so why not remove the sides from the #Saddlespan for flexibility and room for fun. Whether it’s juggling or hula-ing! This is also a good option for wedding receptions, so your guests can easily mingle inside and outside.  
  • Don’t forget the lights – if you’re planning to party into the evening, you will need to ensure that you have adequate lighting set up to keep the party going. We can help with this too.
  • Furniture – do you need tables and chairs for sit-down dining, or a relaxed seating area near the bar? Depending on the theme and ‘feel’ of your event there are many options to be considered. 

Do get in touch with us when you’re planning your summer party and we’ll help guide you towards a spectacular summer celebration: (0)7778 835 207 / enquiries@amazingtent.co.uk 


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A summer of events!

What is that big yellow shining sphere in the sky?!  It seems we might have a summer of better weather ahead, which has us contemplating what’s coming up for us over the next few months. Some of our old favourites are back, with a few new events thrown into the mix. Here’s where you can spot us in the fields of England over the summer – you might even be able to bag yourselves some tickets for some of these if you are quick. 

We’ve already had some fun in the sun recently, you may have spotted our majestic SaddleSpans at Creamfields South and BBC Big Weekend in Dundee? Coming up in June we have the Birmingham Guild of Students Ball and we’ll be amongst the regal racing action at Royal Ascot later in the month. 

The rest of the summer looks something like this – give us a wave if you see us: 

Boardmasters  

 

Creamfields North 

 

Reading Festival  

 

Leeds Festival  

 

Big Feastival  

 

If you have any events or festivals for 2023 or 2024 that you are looking for stage, bar or VIP cover, please give us a call and we can chat over your options:  

+44 (0)7778 835 207 / enquiries@amazingtent.co.uk 

 

Image credit: Geoffrey Hubbel 


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Are you Festival-ready?

We know from the damp, wet, and cold start to this year that the great British weather isn’t always reliable or what we might be hoping for. Whichever festival or outdoor event you’ve bought tickets for this year, be prepared for more than just a shower of rain. Take your waterproofs and wellies, and if you’re camping – check your tent for leaks!  

Another little festival tip we have, is to stay connected with friends… consider a ‘meeting place’, these festivals are busy and it’s not uncommon to lose one another. Work out where your tent or base for the day is, by establishing site landmarks – SaddleSpans are often the eye-catching and unique landmark within a festival site. Just sayin’! 

If you’re a festival organiser, you probably know all of this – alongside the extra things you need to consider for being on-site. Since you practically live in a field for a month or more! That said, our top tip is to always ensure you choose a venue space that allows plenty of room for setting up. Once you’ve found a suitable space this is our checklist: 

  • Capacity – How many people can you accommodate? SaddleSpans can accommodate from 175 to 3700 people. We’ll have something to suit your needs. 
  • Space – Music Festivals take up a lot of space! Once you have factored in stages, backstage areas for talent, car parking, food concessions and space for your guests to enjoy the entertainment, you need to ensure that the venue can accommodate the scale of your festival or event. Visit and check it out – we’re always happy to go along to a site visit, to help avoid potential issues further down the line. 
  • Existing Infrastructure – is there access to toilets, cafes, restaurants, etc. If not – you’ll need more temporary structures. 
  • Disability access – we believe that live music and festivals are for everyone. If you have additional access needs, be sure to check out the festival’s commitment to disabled access; you’ll find that this is taken very seriously and a great deal of effort is put in to ensure an enjoyable and fully inclusive experience for all. We always ensure that Disability Discrimination Act is followed, so that access is considered for everyone at an event or festival. 
  • Permits. What permits (if any) are required from the council and are there any considerations they may inhibit you from running the event (i.e. alcohol licence, noise restrictions, etc.). 

So, if you’ve not got all your event spaces covered for your 2023, or even 2024, festival or event, give us a call now: +44 (0)7778 835 207 / enquiries@amazingtent.co.uk 


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Sprucing up your event tent for Spring

The dark winter months are finally behind us. As we welcome the longer days and lighter evenings, our thoughts are turning to sprucing up Saddlespans for the fast-approaching Spring and Summer events. 

Bring in the light – as the weather improves, the option of not having sides on the Saddlespans at events is a popular one. It means that the light inside and under the canopy is increased, reducing the need for artificial lighting for daytime events. Of course, if your event transitions from daytime to evening, the sides can be re-introduced to emphasise any lighting effects for a nighttime event. 

Freshen up – the Spring months inspire a brighter, cleaner look for events. Think about bringing florals, patterns, or pastels in to your décor. Also, if you decide to remove the sides of the Saddlespan, it means your design choices can flow from inside to the outside space too. This can create a larger area to accommodate your clients and guests, promote your message, or launch your product.  

Make a statement – if you want to really stand out from the crowd, there is always the option to brand the Saddlespan exterior too. It will give you optimal brand exposure – especially on a site with multiple exhibitors or at a public site such as a festival. There are several areas on the tent that you can brand, including the sides and banners under the front of the curve. 

So, whilst we give our Saddlespans a good Spring clean ready for our busiest time of the year, consider how you can give your event a makeover. We’re happy to chat your ideas over and recommend any partner organisations within the events industry who may be able to help you too.  

Get in touch today:  +44 (0)7778 835 207 / enquiries@amazingtent.co.uk


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Top tips for event planning

We’ve been in the events business for decades, so we have a lot of experience when it comes to planning events. It’s not too late to prepare for 2023 but ideally, as you’ll see from our first tip, organising events for 2024 can start now!

· There’s no such thing as starting to plan too early! Start planning and organising NOW.

· We love a production schedule. Creating a schedule or a timeline to help you see where you are on your planning journey is a real help for an ‘at a glance’ check. Make sure everyone involved in your event has access to a copy.

· Ensure that you, or your client has a clear and specific goal or outcome for the event. What is the purpose? That might be as simple as a great party, or it could be a product launch, whatever your event is, you need to target the look and audience carefully. Ensure this is clear and shared with all of your event partners and suppliers.

· You can’t do it all on your own. Delegate jobs and responsibilities and check them off against that schedule or timeline.

· Calculate, and then stick to your budget. We have a variety of #Saddlespans for every kind of event and budget, as will caterers, lighting suppliers, and designers. Speak to your suppliers and be honest and open about what you have to spend on which event elements. · Embrace event technology – we covered this item in our January blog. But tech does really seem to be an element to be considered and included where possible to ensure your event stands out from the crowd and is appealing to as many people as possible. Dare to be different!

· Finally – don’t take a risk when it comes to the venue. A venue can make or break your event. It’s crucial for space (obvious one!) but also how the space can be used, and how versatile it is. #SaddleSpans are versatile and impressive. They can be configured to suit your event, whether it’s a small party or a national exhibition. They are ideal as an open stage cover or for an enclosed ball – they’ve been used for all of these.

Now you have some top event planning tips, talk to us and we’ll suggest the most suitable and cost-effective option for you.


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Taking your best shot!

As planning events for 2023 are well under way we thought it might be useful to share what we’ve learnt about taking the best photo of your event in a SaddleSpan.  

We’re fortunate to have been sent many truly eye-catching images of our SaddleSpans at events, often taken by professional photographers, but sometimes it pays to be able to frame an image yourself. Whether that be for promotional purposes, on your  website, or social media or to help promote next year’s event – any tips on this are useful. Right?  

Here are our top 10 tips: 

  1. Bear in mind that at any event, people and the action move fast! So be prepared with full batteries and lots of energy. 
  2. You won’t be able to capture everything, so have a ‘wish list’ of shots you’d like to get and focus on those. 
  3. Be in the right place at the right time and make sure you know the event timings. 
  4. Know the names and have the permissions for any people in your shots. 
  5. How much light is available? Are you shooting in the middle of the day or at night? Will you be inside or outside the Saddlespan? If it’s inside, be mindful of balancing capturing the atmosphere without the images being too dark. 
  6. Maybe choose to tell a story of the event: From set-up to take-down, people love seeing behind-the-scenes images too. 
  7. Try mixing your style of photos. Try shots from different angles by either crouching down, lying down, moving to a high vantage point, or maybe see what’s possible with a selfie stick. 
  8. Frames don’t always have to be straight. Always fill the frame but maybe try a 45-degree angle for fun?! 
  9. Edit your photos as soon as you can afterwards so you can see what you’ve got to work with. If it’s for promotional purposes check permissions and for any shots that you know a person, group or performer won’t like. 
  10. Consider shooting some video footage too – these can gain better traction especially if you plan to use them on social media where scrollers are more likely to engage in a moving image. 

There’s a lot that can be captured on a smartphone, but if you’re fortunate enough to have professional kit, or photographers to hand – use that! 

We’d love to see any shots you capture of our Saddlespans out and about on site this year – feel free to send them to us at: enquiries@amazingtent.co.uk and let us know if we can use them too, and if so, who the photographer is we should credit. Or if you’re posting straight to social media, feel free to tag us:  

Twitter @Amzingtentco / Facebook @TheAmzingTent Company / LinkedIn @TheAmazingTentCo 

Happy snapping! 


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