De Boer’s huge pink tent dominates London’s skyline

One of London’s most distinctive temporary attractions – a giant pink tent – has been taking shape in Hyde Park as De Boer Structures prepares for this weekend’s Playtex MoonWalk charity spectacular. 

Pink Galaxy
The Pink Galaxy structure – measuring 152 metres by 60 metres and standing 26 metres high – will play a key part in the annual MoonWalk, which involves 15,000 women and men power-walking through the streets of the capital raising money for the grant-making charity Walk the Walk in aid of vital breast cancer causes. 

Organised by Walk the Walk
The eye-catching tent, which was introduced two years ago specifically for client Walk the Walk, is large enough to accommodate the playing areas of 35 tennis courts! 

Distinctive temporary structure
De Boer Key Account Manager Kate Hunter said: “The Pink Galaxy is the most distinctive temporary structure of its kind in the world. When first introduced in 2006 it proved an instant hit – with the client, the thousands of power-walkers and also the general public in and around the park. It’s fantastic news that the tent is helping to raise the profile of the event as well as providing shelter for people taking part.” 

Bespoke pink structure
Created in the vivid pink corporate colour of the charity, the structure has since been used for a similar fund-raising event organised by Walk the Walk in Edinburgh – and has also become a regular feature of the world-famous National Eisteddfod of Wales. 

Shelter for thousands of fundraisers
The Pink Galaxy will provide shelter for the thousands of fundraisers who will assemble in Hyde Park this Saturday evening (May 17) before setting off on their power-walk through the streets of London. 

Secure structure
The structure is supported by 18 huge “King” poles which are raised electronically into place, surrounded by more than 250 smaller “Queen” poles, which are lifted by hand. 

Vast array of temporary facilities
In addition to providing Walk the Walk with its bright-pink centrepiece, De Boer has supplied the charity with a range of conventional white Chalet, Walkway and A-frame structures, being used this weekend for purposes such as baggage storage, VIP facilities, kitchen, medical areas, information desk, merchandising unit and volunteer tent. 

Worthy cause
This weekend’s event – on the theme of Bollywood meets Rock and Roll – will be the 11th MoonWalk. Participants will be looking to improve on the stunning success of 2007, when more than £5.4 million was raised on this one night for vital breast cancer causes. 

Decorated bras
The 15,000 participants, wearing the charity’s trademark decorated bras, will power-walk through the night – able to choose a distance of either 26.1 miles or 13.1 miles. 

Edinburgh next
And no sooner will the London event be out of the way than attention will switch to the Pink Galaxy’s next assignment as a centrepiece of another Walk the Walk spectacular – the MoonWalk Edinburgh on June 14.