Igloo Marquees at Edinburgh International Festival

When the Edinburgh International Festival asked Fews about solutions for three of their performance areas, we had no hesitation in recommending our Igloo Marquees for the job.  The performance areas in question were Edinburgh Academy Junior School, Edinburgh Park and the Old College Quad. Each area focussed on a different programme of entertainment and included socially-distanced seating plans.

Building three structures of this scale, in a limited time frame, on some challenging sites required considerable planning and co-ordination with other teams. That it was achieved to the clients satisfaction is a credit to everyone involved.

Old College Quad

The Quad outdoor venue was home to the afternoon chamber music series, a series of traditional Scottish music, five nights of inspirational spoken word and unmissable late-night cabaret. This was a complex build in an enclosed space.  The 20 metre x 50 metre Igloo marquee structure with it’s 14 metre internal height was constructed entirely within the Quad. The dome and part of the structure were covered in clear PVC, with the front part and stage area covered in Silver/Black PVC.

Specialised cranes were required to build in the Quad, plus we had to avoid loads on specific points due to underground tunnels.

Edinburgh Park

The contemporary music programme took place at the purpose-built, outdoor venue at Edinburgh Park.  A 30 metre x 95 metre Igloo Marquee structure was built to house enthusiastic crowds across the festival period.  The internal height of 16 metres offered a great festival environment with an eye to safety and social distancing.  The audience area was covered by white PVC, with black PVC above the stage.