Marquee hire
Traditional pole tents and contemporary clear-span structures, in a huge range of sizes, for weddings, parties, corporate events, exhibitions, shows and storage.
Family firm, established 1868
Carters of Basingstoke
Dressing weddings, parties, shows and gardens across the South of England for five generations.
Family run since 1868
Five generations
MUTA member
Main Calor dealer in Basingstoke
Covering the South of England
What we do
Three trades under one family roof
From a marquee dressed for a summer wedding to a tarpaulin cut on the workshop floor, the work has stayed in the family and in Basingstoke since 1868.
Manufacturing
In-house PVC and canvas manufacturing in Basingstoke. Vehicle side curtains, tarpaulins, covers, banners, dog matting and bespoke work.
Bespoke covers →
Calor & camping
The main Calor dealer in Basingstoke. All cylinder sizes, local delivery and camping supplies.
Gas & camping →
Marquee hire
A marquee for the English summer, and every season after it
Two structures, one standard of finish. We measure, dress and light the space, then leave you a room that feels made for the day.
Pole marquees
The classic English country wedding ambience, with swept ceilings and soft lined walls. Extendable to any length for parties large and small.
22ft wide32ft wide40ft wide50ft wideAny length
Clear span structures
A clear internal footprint with no poles, sited on any surface. Glass walls and doors make them suited to year-round use, from spring shows to winter receptions.
2m to 25m wideAny lengthAny surfaceGlass walls & doors
Weddings & parties
Traditional pole tents and lined structures for weddings, receptions and garden parties, dressed and lit to suit the day.
See the work →
Corporate entertaining
Hospitality marquees for race meetings, regattas and company events, from Henley Regatta to Southsea Castle.
See the work →
Exhibitions & shows
Show marquees, shedding and clear-span structures for agricultural shows, craft fairs and county events across the South.
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Storage & industrial
Temporary warehousing with solid sides, on any surface, for short or long term storage and industrial use.
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Furniture & ancillaries
Banqueting and vintage chairs, round and trestle tables, parquet dance floors and staging to complete the setting.
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What's included
- Linings and LED Starcloth
- Boarded floors and parquet dance floors
- Banqueting chairs and tables
- Lighting fitted by a qualified electrician
- Thermostat-controlled heating
- Luxury mobile toilets
- A 3D computerised image of your setup after a site visit
Our work
View full galleries →
Dressed, lined and lit
Plan your marquee
Tell us about the day, we will do the rest
A few questions to point you towards the right structure. No obligation, and we will call you back to arrange a site visit.
Since 1868
Five generations, one family name
From rope and horse tack in a Kingsclere workshop to British racing green marquees recognised across the South of England.
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Generations
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Square feet
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People
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Vehicles in livery
1868
Founded in Kingsclere
John Morton Carter sets up in Hampshire, working in rope, horse tack and reins.
1904
Wote Street, Basingstoke
Premises are added in Basingstoke, and the firm begins hiring tents and wooden furniture.
1920s
The third generation
The founder's grandson Alexander joins, and the company runs two marquees of 60 by 30 feet.
1960s
Winchester Road
The move to the current premises brings PVC and canvas manufacturing and a retail outlet.
Today
The fifth generation
Family run, headed by Peter Hallows, the founder's great-great-grandson, in British racing green livery.
Made in Basingstoke since the 1960s
Manufacturing
Cut, welded and stitched in our own workshop
Our manufacturing plant uses high-frequency PVC welders and sewing machines, run by a long-serving workforce.
Enquire about bespoke covers
Calor and camping
The main Calor dealer in Basingstoke
Every cylinder size in stock, with local delivery across Basingstoke and the surrounding villages.
Cylinders in stock
Butane4.5kg · 7kg · 15kg
Propane3.9kg · 6kg · 13kg · 19kg · 47kg
Patio5kg · 13kg
Automotive12kg · 18kg
Campingaz904 · 907
Local delivery
Delivery across Basingstoke and the surrounding villages, with a discounted service for pensioners within Basingstoke.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday8am to 5pm
Saturday and SundayClosed
Payment by cash, card or cheque.
Camping supplies
In their words
Trusted with the days that matter
The marquee itself was the most attractive one I have seen at any wedding, much admired by our guests.Richmond
Your attention to detail certainly helped to make our wedding arrangements as stress free as possible. I shall not hesitate to recommend you in the future.Marlborough
Thank you for helping to make our silver wedding anniversary such a successful and memorable event.Bramley
I am completely over the moon with the way the panels have worked out. You managed to blow all of my expectations out of the water.Mr N, Hereford
Seen at
New Forest Show·Henley Regatta·South of England Show at Ardingly·Romsey Show·Egham Royal Show·Penshurst Place craft shows·Naomi House open day
Contact
Arrange a site visit
Tell us about your event, or call the yard directly. We cover Basingstoke, Hampshire and the South of England.
01256 324434
info@johnmcarterltd.co.uk
John M Carter Ltd, Industrial Estate, Winchester Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 4AB
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm