Whatever you are planning with your outdoor event, safety and stability are just as important as aesthetics. One of the most overlooked but essential pieces of equipment for many events is the humble concrete ballast block, often referred to as "Lego blocks" due to their interlocking shape and stackable design (just in case you couldn’t guess).
These heavy-duty blocks might not be glamorous, but they play a vital role in ensuring temporary structures remain secure, compliant, and storm-resistant. They can be real life savers.
We regularly supply concrete blocks for all sorts of events, from private weddings to large-scale festivals. Whether you’re hiring a marquee, installing temporary fencing, or building a branded display, here’s how these blocks are most commonly used, and how to use them correctly.
Why Use Concrete Blocks at Events?
Concrete blocks offer a reliable and cost-effective way to weigh down and stabilise structures where ground anchoring isn’t possible or practical. If your event is being held on hardstanding (like a car park or paved area), you won’t be able to use traditional stakes or pegs. That’s where the reliable concrete ballast comes in. Each block provides a known weight that can be positioned exactly where it’s needed, with no damage to the ground and simple use.
The interlocking design of these blocks makes them easy to stack, transport, and store. With built-in lifting points for forklifts or telehandlers, they’re also safer and more efficient to handle on site than loose weights or smaller concrete options.
Common Uses for Concrete Ballast Blocks at Events
1. Marquee and Stretch Tent Ballasting
When marquees or stretch tents are erected on surfaces where stakes can’t be driven in, concrete blocks provide a secure answer. They’re placed around the perimeter or at key anchor points, with ratchet straps attaching the structure directly to the blocks. This setup ensures the tent can withstand strong winds and pass health and safety inspections, especially for public or commercial events.
2. Holding Down Temporary Fencing or Heras Panels
In windy conditions or on uneven ground, standard fence feet aren’t always enough. Adding concrete blocks gives temporary fencing extra stability, reducing the risk of panels tipping or collapsing, which is especially important near public walkways or around equipment compounds.
3. Securing Signage and Branded Displays
Large outdoor signage, inflatable arches, or branded totems often require ballast to keep them upright and safe. Using concrete blocks allows these elements to stay firmly in place without needing a permanent foundation, giving sponsors and organisers flexibility without compromising on safety.
4. Event Infrastructure and Staging
Lighting towers, AV equipment, or scaffolded platforms may need counterweights to ensure structural stability. Concrete blocks provide a reliable way to meet engineering requirements, especially when space is limited or the structure needs to remain freestanding.
5. Car Park and Traffic Management Solutions
Concrete blocks can also be used to guide traffic or section off areas within large event car parks. Their weight means they won’t shift under impact, and their modular shape makes them easy to reposition between events.
How to Use Concrete Blocks Safely and Effectively
Although these tools look simple and easy to use, they do need an experienced professional to get the most out of them. After all, using concrete blocks correctly is just as important as using them at all. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind when planning your event:
Know Your Load Requirements
Not all structures require the same amount of ballast. Wind ratings, surface type, structure size, and exposure all play a role in how much weight you’ll need. Always consult with your marquee provider or structural engineer to determine the correct number and placement of blocks. Overloading can be wasteful; underloading can be really dangerous.
Use the Right Equipment for Lifting and Positioning
Each block typically weighs between 500kg and 1,000kg. That means manual handling is out of the question. Blocks should only be lifted and positioned using appropriate machinery such as forklifts or telehandlers, and always by trained operatives.
Allow for Access and Aesthetics
While the blocks are functional, they’re not exactly decorative. If appearance matters, especially for weddings or corporate events, consider screening them off with covers, fencing, or branded panels. Just make sure this doesn’t interfere with access for safety inspections or adjustment.
Inspect and Document
Before your event opens, check that all blocks are in place, straps are secure, and nothing has shifted during setup. It’s a good idea to photograph ballast points and include them in your event safety file, especially for larger public events.
Supporting Events Across the UK
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, festival, market, or corporate gathering, the last thing you want to worry about is your marquee lifting off in a strong gust. Concrete blocks may be behind the scenes, but they’re one of the unsung heroes of outdoor event safety. At Marquees for All Occasions, we offer a full range of concrete ballast blocks for hire, along with expert setup and advice to make sure your event runs smoothly from start to finish.
If you’re unsure how much ballast you’ll need, or whether your event site is suitable for off-ground anchoring, just get in touch with our team, we’ll walk you through the safest, most efficient solution.
