A circus big top changes the feel of an event the moment it goes up. Before a single act has started, people want to know what's happening inside. Elevate offers big top tents for hire in three sizes – a 7m and a 15m round, and a 22m oval – anywhere in mainland UK, on their own or combined with circus skills workshops and walkabout acts.
If you're weighing up whether a tent is worth it for your event, here's what it actually adds, and what you need to know before you book.
It Gives Your Event a Centrepiece
A striped big top is visible from right across the site. It draws people in, gives your event a clear hub and makes it easy to tell guests where the main entertainment is happening. Our tents come in purple and yellow or white and yellow, so they stand out on any field.
The Weather Stops Being a Problem
Outdoor entertainment is always at the mercy of the British weather. A tent keeps shows and workshops going when it rains, so you're not cancelling acts or watching the crowd drift off to find shelter.
Shows and Workshops in One Place
The tent can host performances, hands-on circus skills sessions, or both. A typical day runs scheduled shows inside with drop-in circus workshops going on around it, so there's always something to watch or try.
Our 22m big top comes with four performers and can host a couple of 45-minute shows, with drop-in workshops running outside between them.
Something for Every Age
Juggling, plate spinning, diabolo and hula hoop appeal as much to grandparents as to toddlers. A tent gives families one place where everyone can watch, have a go and get involved together.
Choosing the Right Size
The 7m tent suits smaller events, school fairs and fetes. The 15m and 22m tents are built for festivals, larger community events and corporate days where you want room for a proper audience. Tell us your numbers and your site, and we'll recommend the right size.
What We Need from Your Site
Grass, not hard ground – the tent is pegged in, so it has to go on grass with no underground services, such as pipes or cables, below.
Room for guy ropes – allow about 2m clear all the way round the tent.
Space for the van – the delivery vehicle stays parked next to the tent all day. Ideally the tent sits beside hardstanding so the van doesn't have to go on the grass, where it can get stuck if it's wet.
Not sure? Send us a short video or a few photos of the area and we'll check it for you.
A Real Talking Point
People photograph a big top, share it and talk about it afterwards. For festivals, fundraisers and brand events, that's promotion that carries on long after the day itself.
Is a Circus Tent Right for Your Event?
If you're running a festival, fete, community fun day, corporate event or large celebration and want one standout feature that keeps going whatever the weather, a big top is hard to beat. For smaller events, walkabout entertainers or a drop-in workshop may be all you need, and we're happy to advise either way.
FAQs
Why have a circus tent rather than just an open space? A tent gives you a weatherproof focal point that draws guests in and shows them where the action is. It also means shows and workshops can carry on if it rains.
What can happen inside the tent? Circus skills workshops, performances, or a mix of both, giving you a self-contained entertainment hub rather than activities scattered across your site.
Do you provide the tent, or just the performers? Both. We can supply the tent together with performers and workshop tutors, so you get the full set-up as one package.
How much does tent hire cost? The 7m tent starts from £1,400 + VAT, and the 15m and 22m tents from £1,800 + VAT. The final price depends on your date, location and what's included, so send us your event details for an accurate quote.
What sizes are available? A 7m and a 15m round tent, and a 22m oval (15m × 22m). We'll recommend a size once we know your expected numbers and the space you have.
What ground does the tent need? Grass, with no underground services below, plus about 2m clear all round for the guy ropes. The delivery van also needs to park next to the tent for the day, ideally on hardstanding.
Can performances and workshops run on the same day? Yes. Many events run scheduled shows inside the tent with drop-in workshops alongside, keeping it busy from open to close.
What kind of performances can we book? Circus skills shows, stilt walkers, jugglers, magicians and other acts, tailored to your event and audience.
Do we need to provide the site? Yes. If you're not sure your space is suitable, send us a video or a few photos and we'll check it before you book.
How do we book? Contact us with your event date, location and expected audience size, and we'll put together a tailored package. For larger events, we can also send our large venue brochure.
Related reading
Keep Kids Entertained This Summer: Circus Skills Workshops for Holiday Clubs and Community Events
The Ultimate Guide To Circus Party Ideas For Kids And Adults — And What Happens On The Day
Book a Circus Tent
Tent hire starts from £1,400 + VAT for a 7m tent – see how our pricing works. Check tent availability for your date and we'll come back to you with a quote.
We deliver across mainland UK, including Swindon, Maidstone, Norwich, London, Birmingham and everywhere in between.
