In my work, we do a lot of outdoor events, and use the pop-up style gazebos/marquees (usually 3m x 3m)
All of ours are always guyed down properly, and have serious weights on the feet of the legs (usually around 60kg on each leg)
I recall one event in Manchester where an absolute gale blew - none of our gazebos moved, or got remotely damaged or twisted - although I was a *tad* concerned for a while and did spend half an hour or so inside one having a cuppa, and casually holding onto the frame!
But as with everything, you get what you pay for.... from memory I think the cheapest one we bought was in excess of £200
Mr Jewelly
------------- Both Jewelly's post on this login - More than likely it will be her - but it could be him!
Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 04/8/2009
I've lost count of how many gazebos I've taken down in the absence of the owners who've gone off and left them for the day.
Dangerous things that have no place on campsites.
Did anyone try to stop you doing this, or say anything to you?
I'm not sure I'd put it up or leave it up in strong winds, wouldnt want to watch my £100 investment blow away, or even worse, damage someone or something.
We have the Oklahoma day tent, and have had no problems so far, and have used it loads of times.we use it for putting the cooker in etc. would def recommend
I have a confession - after all my whinging about gazebos I went and bought one this w/e!
In fairness it was only for garden use (was using our mallard as another "room" for my 40th and needed something to bridge the patio). I must admit I double guyed it and attached it to the canopy of that mallard too.
In our nicely sheltered garden, it didn't fly away! On an exposed campsite, I definitely would be putting it downwind from anything/one I didn't want squashed as it would take off like an umbrella!
Quote: Originally posted by PigletandTigger on 04/8/2009I've lost count of how many gazebos I've taken down in the absence of the owners who've gone off and left them for the day.
Dangerous things that have no place on campsites.
Did anyone try to stop you doing this, or say anything to you?
LOL, I only taken them down when they are collapsing around themselves, I don't do it pro-actively!
I couldn't sit and watch an unattended gazebo that was on the verge of collapse and then wait to see who or what it was going to hit, I've seen the damage they can do and will take them down before they cause damage to someone/something else.
It happens a lot of event sites and you'll be amazed how many people start sounding off about their gazebos having been stolen until someone leads them to their damage car and bits of gazebo and demands money!
I've had to go and see to a gazebo as well when the owner's were gone.
The one in the picture I automatically got straight out of the car to try and do something but realised was on my lonesome with kids in the car so went and notified the owner's of the campsite instead.
I reckon campsite's are far more likely to charge you alot more for using a day tent though than a gazebo aren't they? Shame as wouldn't take up anymore space than one.
Reemo's right a Tarp is far better than a Gazebo. I saw one at Gordale Scar several years ago. Being used as a dining shelter/link between 2 tents. Went out in the morning on a windy day. On coming back there was scrap metal and shredded canvas. The owners had to pack up & go as the two tents had been ripped.
Fran1000, nothing at all to do with Gazebos - but last weekend in the Lakes, my friend brought some winter Pimms, we heated this up added sliced oranges and apples and ooh it was lovely served in our thermal mugs from a bit enamel jug (along with that old camping favourite After Eight mints!)
------------- 2011-
Dec/Jan -Cornwall nr Padstow (cottage)
Feb - our garden (tent)
March - Llangollen (cottage)
March -Town Farm, Bucks.
April - garden..again..need to get out more...
May - Acoustic Festival of Britain Uttoxeter
in their natural habitat, the suburban garden, a gazebo can be a fine thing.
we used two in the garden for my daughter's naming ceremony, pegged down and adjacent but not fixed together.
it was right at the start of the hideously humid weather, so the shade they provided was much appreciated.
later in the afternoon we had a freak thunderstorm and absolute downpour, and they did provide weather protection, at least from the rain coming down vertically (had it been windy as well we would have had two other problems on our hands!)
i can in a way see the benefit of having one on a sunny summer camping trip but agree they should only be up when supervised, and taken down if you go off-site, and at night.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Why NOT to use a Gazebo
On an exposed campsite, I definitely would be putting it downwind from anything/one I didn't want squashed as it would take off like an umbrella! 
