How Much Does Stretch Tent Hire Cost? An Honest Guide for 2026
- Springbok Stretch Tents
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 22
If you're planning an outdoor event and considering a stretch tent, pricing is one of the first things you want to understand. Hire costs vary depending on several factors including the tent size, furniture & add-ons, and specialist rigging requirements. This guide breaks down exactly what affects the price so you can piece together a budget.
What does stretch tent hire actually include?
Before comparing prices, it's worth understanding what you're paying for. Unlike hiring a gazebo or ordering a flat-pack canopy, stretch tent hire includes full setup and breakdown by an experienced team. The tent will be delivered to your venue and professionally installed before your event. The price you pay isn't just for the tent itself, but for the expertise of the team and the peace of mind that comes with a professionally installed structure.
What affects the cost of stretch tent hire?
Tent size
The biggest variable affecting cost is almost always the size of tent. Stretch tents are available in multiple sizes, each suited to different guest counts and event types. There’s also the option for a modular setup, with multiple tents joined up for a bespoke space. Larger tents require more poles and longer installation time, which is reflected in the price.
As a general guide:
Tent size | Guests (seated) | Guests (standing) | Hire from |
5x7.5m | 24 | 48 | £945 |
7.5x10m | 40 | 80 | £1,085 |
10x12m | 70 | 100 | £1,425 |
10.5x15m | 110 | 150 | £1,875 |
Add-ons and extras
Most people add at least one or two extras to their hire. The most common are:
Matting — if you're on grass, dandy dura matting creates a solid, clean floor surface underfoot. Prices start from £150 for a 6x8m tent up to £400 for larger sizes.
Lighting — this is the single most popular add-on and for good reason. It transforms the tent atmosphere after dark. Lighting starts from £150 and goes up to £400 depending on tent size, with packages for festoon bulbs, fairy lights and uplighters to add atmosphere at your event.
Furniture — rustic trestle tables (£27 each), folding chairs (£5.50 each) and benches (£15.50 each) can be added alongside your hire and are delivered and collected at the same time as the tent.
Dancefloor — a 12x12ft black and white chequered dancefloor is available for £280, fitted by the team.
Patio heaters — pyramid gas heaters including gas are £150 per unit, useful for spring and autumn events or cooler summer evenings.
Whiskey barrels — oak barrels work well as poseur tables or bar tops and add a rustic festival feel, typically working at around £50 per barrel.
Time of year
Peak season runs from May through September, when demand for outdoor event structures is highest. Some suppliers charge a premium during peak weekends. At Springbok we maintain consistent pricing year-round, though availability is significantly more limited during summer months.
What does a typical stretch tent hire cost in total?
To give you a realistic sense of what most people spend, here are three common scenarios for different types of events:
Garden party for 40-50 guests:
7.5x10m tent + matting + festoon lighting = approximately £1,500. Add chairs and tables for a seated setup and you're looking at £1,900-2,100 depending on numbers.
Birthday celebration for 80-100 guests
10x12m tent + matting + lighting + dancefloor = approximately £2,080. With furniture for a fully dressed setup, expect £2,700-3,100.
Wedding reception for 80-130 guests
10.5x15m tent + matting + lighting + furniture = approximately £3,200-4,000 depending on furniture quantities and additional add-ons.
Is stretch tent hire good value?
Whilst stretch tents are no doubt a premium option, for some events they'll work out more cost effective compared to a traditional marquee. Marquees require rigid frames, solid flooring and often additional lining, with costs add up quickly. Stretch tents work with the natural environment, require less infrastructure and install faster, which helps to keep costs down.
The other consideration is what you're paying for relative to alternatives. A hired venue for 80 guests in London might cost £2,000-3,000 before food, drink and decoration. A stretch tent in your own garden or outdoor space gives you full control of the setting, the catering and the atmosphere — often at lower total cost.
What's not included in stretch tent hire?
It's worth being clear about what falls outside a standard hire. Generators (if your venue has no power supply), specialist flooring beyond standard matting, and catering equipment are not typically included. If your site has unusual access requirements or needs specialist rigging — for example anchoring to concrete ballast weights — this will affect the quote.
How to get an accurate quote
The most accurate way to get a price is to enquire directly with the details of your event — your guest count, venue location, event date and what surface the tent will be installed on. Most reputable suppliers will come back with a detailed quote within 24-48 hours.
Ready to get a quote?
If you're planning an event across London, Surrey, Kent or the wider South East, we'd love to help. Get in touch with your event details and our team will be in touch with a tailored quote.
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