About The Devon Marquee Company

The Devon Marquee Company is a family-run outfit, operating since 1992. As the South West’s original marquee firm, George, Jack, Tommy and the team know a thing or two about tents.

We create stylish bespoke spaces for weddings, parties, festivals, fairs, corporate events and shows across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Each build is entirely bespoke: be it a custom-built structure on a listed heritage site, a large fair in a busy city centre, or a beautiful tent made for celebrating.

We are unabashed perfectionists: an enthusiastic, nimble and hardworking bunch, with an eye for detail and a passion for creating really great spaces that fit the bill exactly.

George Lyon-Smith

CEO and Founder

Born and bred in Devon, George bought his first marquee for his sister’s wedding in summer 1992: The Devon Marquee Company was born. In the 30+ years since, George has accumulated 160+ marquees and built over 3000+ events across the South West.

With his encyclopedic knowledge, absolute reliability, loyalty, warmth 
and humour, it’s little wonder he now counts many clients as firm friends.

When he’s not tenting, George can be found walking or riding across the 
moor and enjoying long lunches with friends.

Jack Stamp

Director of Operations

With eight years served in the British Army, followed by a career in air logistics, Jack joined The Devon Marquee Company in 2021.

If you’re looking for a marquee, you’ll likely be in touch with Jack first. Be it a private or public event, he’ll walk you through the process, visit the site, coordinate suppliers and handle all compliance. He is the key point of contact throughout.

When not at work, Jack’s young family appear to keep him just as busy. You’ll find him outdoors: running, walking, at the beach and inevitably roped into local Pony Club events.

Tommy Lyon-Smith

Director of Logistics

As Geroge’s son, Tommy has been tenting from a young age. Rumour has it that ’marquee’ was his first word.
On graduating, Tommy embarked on a successful career in racing, securing a place on the Godolphin Flying Start programme and later becoming assistant trainer to David Simcock and Andrew Balding.
With an eye for opportunity, he leapt at the chance to join the family firm in 2024. Tommy works tirelessly behind the scenes – and on site – to ensure slick logistics and offer a direct point of contact on the ground. Outside of work, he’s a keen sportsman and an accomplished horseman.

Sarah Bowden

Office Admin

Sarah is the linchpin of The Devon Marquee Company, bridging operations and logistics. Supporting Jack and Tommy in the office, she is across all client events, quotes and bookings and has a keen eye for detail.
As a busy working mum from a local farming family, Sarah is used to spinning many plates. Away from the office, Sarah enjoys baking, crafting on her Cricut machine and lending a hand on the farm.

Biscuit

Canine Support

As Team Terrier, Biscuit takes his security role very seriously, although he can be easily distracted by tasty event leftovers. When on site, Biscuit carries team essentials in his backpack.
When not on duty, Biscuit’s hobbies include chasing squirrels, eating tennis balls and singing along to the radio.

Wayne Clarke

Manager

Wayne is one of the most experienced on the team with 20+ years working in the industry. Wayne runs our shows, fairs and rallies across the South West which gives him plenty to keep him busy. With a healthy dollop of resourcefulness, Wayne can make a field ship shape to receive thousands of guests with ease. When not on site, he enjoys time with family and friends.

Marc aka. Goose

Senior Site Foreman

Originating from Cornwall, Goose is most definitely ‘jam first’ but we lured him across the border with the promise of many a happy day’s tenting. Goose runs the site team and has years of experience spanning all areas of the business. He’s well respected by both colleagues and clients. Outside of the marquee season, it’s back to Cornwall and his love of surfing.

What We Do Best

Each build is entirely bespoke and custom-built to your exact requirements. We can simply put up a really great marquee and leave the creativity to you, or we can offer a one-stop shop for complete event delivery: a slick turnkey operation with the ease of a single point of contact.

Our in-house team works closely with you to establish exactly what you’re after, consulting our little black book of trusted suppliers and industry partners to deliver an end-to-end service with 24/7 assistance.

We can simply put up a really great marquee and leave the creativity to you, or we can offer a one-stop shop for complete event delivery

Manufacturing and Services

Our highly skilled tent makers offer bespoke covers for any marquee or structure your have in mind, working to order we have made covers for all types of marquee, tipis, bell tents and more.

The wash shed facility houses a Teeco drum washer along with a coir matting and roof brush washer. With effective results and a fast turn around the facility can be hired with our staff for any marquee cleaning job that is required.

For more information on what we can offer do feel free to get in touch.

35 Years of Experience

With over 8000 events under our belts, we can turn our hand to any occasion. We work with private clients, corporates and public sector bodies to deliver unique tailor-made spaces that host between 10 and 10,000 guests.

We have built marquees along harbours, on hilltops, inside stadiums, and over ice rinks, swimming pools and orchards. We’ve weathered snow storms, gale-force winds and choppy seas. Nothing fazes us – we love a challenge and we promise our clients absolute reliability, commitment and support.

We can simply put up a really great marquee and leave the creativity to you, or we can offer a one-stop shop for complete event delivery: a slick turnkey operation with the ease of a single point of contact. Our in-house team works closely with you to establish exactly what you’re after, consulting our little black book of trusted suppliers and industry partners to deliver an end-to-end service with 24/7 assistance.

If you’re interested, we’d love to hear from you.

The Devon Marquee Company
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