Big Beats & Garden Vibes: A 40th Birthday Party in South London Under A Stretch Marquee

A Joyful 40th Birthday Celebration

Turning 40 is a milestone worth marking in style — a moment to celebrate life, friendships, and everything accomplished so far. For this South London celebration, the brief was clear: create a party that felt joyful, relaxed, and just a little bit different. Hosted as a 40th birthday party in the clients’ own garden under a beautiful stretch marquee, the event blended live music, great food, and playful energy to create a night that brought together friends, family, and a whole lot of fun. It was everything this occasion should be: full of laughter, rhythm, and unforgettable memories!

The Brief 

Marieke reached out about celebrating her husband’s 40th birthday, the vision was clear: a relaxed yet memorable gathering at their home in South London. The goal wasn’t glitz or glamour, but great vibes – fun, flavourful food, brilliant music, and a touch of the unexpected. With around 70 adults and 20 children under 10 expected, the event needed to strike a balance between stylish and family-friendly, with an atmosphere that felt personal, vibrant, and full of life. If you’re looking for inspiration for planning a memorable fortieth birthday party, read on!

The Party

This unforgettable 40th birthday party was the perfect blend of style, atmosphere, and seamless execution. Guests were welcomed through a striking entrance framed by real flame gas flambeaux, setting the tone for the night ahead. A stunning 10x15m stretch marquee transformed the garden into a vibrant party space, complete with a fully stocked circular bar, black and white checkered dance floor, and chill-out furniture for those looking to unwind.

As the sun set, outdoor lighting and a DJ-driven mobile nightclub brought the energy up, while our full event management team ensured every detail, from power distribution to champagne on arrival, ran without a hitch. It was a bold, beautiful celebration worthy of a milestone birthday. Scroll down to explore the highlights for some 40th birthday party ideas!

We really brought the party to the garden with:

• Party entrance with real flame and truss set-up
• 10 x 15m Stretch marquee
• Champagne reception
• Fully staffed and stocked circular bar
• DJ and mobile nightclub hire for the ultimate birthday experience
• Black and white checkered dance floor
• Outdoor lighting
• Chill-out furniture
• Real flame gas flambeaux and truss entrance
• Power distribution
• Outdoor lighting
• Full event management for seamless party planning

The Testimonial

“Brilliant party! Capability Events did an amazing job pulling together everything we wanted for our gathering. The garden looked amazing with the stretch marquee, fire arch/entrance, up-lit trees. Would happily work with them again. Thank you!”

The Team

Event production: Capability Events

DJ, Lighting and Tech Production: Luke Kosar

Marquee: Dream Domes

Drums and Percussion: Rob Hervais-Adelman

Trumpet: Karen Louise Straw

Get more party inspiration from our Instagram grid. For ideas on organising a fabulous 40th birthday party, view our latest posts.