Garden Games Hire for Corporate and Private Events

The networking reception problem is a familiar one for event planners: you have 45 minutes between the arrival drinks and the dinner, and guests who do not know each other are expected to talk to strangers in an open room. Garden games solve this problem by giving people a shared activity rather than an awkward social obligation.

The Giant Chess Set

The Giant Chess Set is one of the most effective garden games for corporate events because it attracts a consistent audience throughout the reception. Unlike boules or giant Jenga, where games end and players disperse, chess draws a small crowd of spectators around the active players, which sustains activity in one area of the garden for the full reception period.

The oversized pieces are weighted and stable on grass and hard-standing. The board can be set up on a lawn, a patio, or a marquee entrance area. Setup takes around 15 minutes and requires no specialist knowledge beyond knowing where the pieces start.

Works Well With

For a more active games area, combine the chess set with Giant Bean Bags to create a spectator zone around the board. This encourages guests to stay in the games area rather than drifting toward the bar, which gives the reception a more energetic feel.

If the outdoor area is large enough for multiple game zones, the chess set works well as a standalone activity in one corner while other games occupy another area. For seated guests who want to watch rather than play, the Aluminium Table and 4 Chair Package provides comfortable seating near the board without requiring guests to stand for the duration of a game.

Private Events

At private garden parties, the giant chess set is particularly effective for mixed-age events. Adults and older children can play together, and the scale of the pieces means even guests who do not know the rules are drawn to pick one up and examine it. This is a useful property at family celebrations where the guest list spans several generations.

Practical Details

Standard hire is 3 days, covering delivery, your event, and collection. The set arrives complete with all pieces in a carry bag. We deliver across England and Wales. Extended hire periods are available for multi-day events on request.