Does the Gala Shade Pro 50 Survive a Storm?

When Storm Ciaran swept across the UK, customer Jo filmed her Gala Shade Pro 50 standing firm through the gusts. It is a useful real-world test of how a commercial pop-up gazebo copes with severe British weather, and a reminder that setting a gazebo up correctly matters as much as the build quality.

Jo's Storm Ciaran video

Storm Ciaran brought strong winds and heavy rain to the UK, with an amber weather warning in force. Jo's Pro 50 gazebo held firm throughout. One detail made a real difference: she had lowered the gazebo to its second-lowest height setting, which reduced the surface area exposed to the wind and helped the structure ride out the gusts.

It is a good illustration of two things at once. The frame is built to take punishment, and setting a gazebo up correctly for the conditions is just as important as the build quality.

Strength is not limited to the top of the range either. In an earlier video, the entry-level Gala Shade Pro DX held up in rain and winds in excess of 25mph when set up correctly.

What makes the Pro 50 hold up in wind

The Pro 50 is built for repeated, demanding use, with several features that help it cope with weather:

• Profile aluminium joints for strength and stability at the points that take the most strain.
• A sprung, wind-resistant frame that allows the structure to flex and recover rather than fight the wind rigidly.
• A 600 denier UV-protected, waterproof canopy that sheds rain and resists fading over time.
• 50mm hexagonal aluminium legs built from 6061/T6 grade aluminium, the same grade used in our larger modular marquees.

You can see the full specification on the Pro 50 product page.

Setting a gazebo up for bad weather

A well-built gazebo still needs to be used sensibly when the weather turns. The short version is to anchor it properly, lower it when wind is forecast, and take the covers down or pack it away ahead of a serious storm. A few key points:

• Anchor every leg. Use weights on hard surfaces or pegs and storm straps on soft ground. Add ground bars for extra rigidity if the gazebo is up for a while.
• Lower the height. Dropping to a lower setting, as Jo did, reduces the area the wind can push against.
• Check fixtures regularly. If a gazebo stays up for extended periods, wind from all directions can gradually loosen fittings, so check them.
• Plan for the worst. If a named storm is forecast, such as Storm Bella, which hit on Boxing Day 2020 with winds around 70mph, take the covers off or take the gazebo down. It is far cheaper than a replacement.
• Watch for snow. Freshly fallen snow weighs roughly 50 to 70 kilograms per cubic metre, and compacted snow several times more. If heavy snow is forecast, remove the roof panel so weight cannot build up on it.

For the full guidance, including step-by-step advice for different conditions, see our dedicated guide on using marquees and gazebos in bad weather.

Warranty, returns and weather damage

A few practical points worth knowing before you buy:

• Warranty. The Pro 50 is supplied with a framework and fabric warranty. Current terms are shown on the Pro 50 product page. Weather-related damage is not covered, because the weather is outside anyone's control, so correct setup and storm precautions matter.
• Insurance. Home insurance policies sometimes cover marquees and gazebos for personal use, and hire businesses can usually arrange cover through their brokers. Check with your provider.
• Returns. Gala Tent operates a 30-day no-quibble money-back guarantee on standard products returned unused and in their original packaging. Full terms are on the returns policy page.

The right gazebo for year-round use

Jo's video shows what a Pro 50 can do in a storm when it is set up well. For a gazebo you can rely on through every season, the Pro 50 combines a strong frame, a waterproof canopy and an easy two-person setup.

For advice on choosing the right all-year-round gazebo, call our team on 01709 242454, contact us, download a brochure, or request a product demo.