Just another thing to think about, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that you've got a duff un! I bought a good quality tent from a reputable dealer a few years ago, when I tried to practice pitch it in the garden it had been packed with 5 right hand poles and only 3 left hand poles! If you definitely can't get someone who has some knowledge of tents to help you practice pitch it, it may be worth taking it back to halfords and asking them to check it.
I have a Halfords tent and agree the instructions are rubbish. Once you get the pegs into the end of the poles it will stat to make sense. I hate that bit but once the last one is in it will stand up. I found that the groundsheet is not the right shape for the middle of the tent so have an extra piece that I also put down.
Have a look on you tube, there are videos for all sort of tents. While yours may not be on there, the principles of most tents are similar. Having a look at a few demonstrations may make things a bit clearer. Flippin' shame you weren't near me I would have gladly come over and given you a helping hand as I am sure many would on here. If your still struggling look for a family or couple and ask, seriously, we've probably all had to ask for something at some point.
Just a thought, but were you trying to pitch this tent on your own?
I have lots of experience of erecting tents but there is no way I could manage this tent on my own ( I spent a long time trying!!!)
Its fairly easy with 2 of you once you have the ring and pin sussed out. It can be extremely difficult tent to erect in windy conditions but once pegged and guyed with a few delta pegs, can stand up well in a reasonable wind.
Hi arab, i'm by no way an expert on putting tents up (can manage my own..lol) but if you really can't suss it out i am only 20 miles north of you(near tain) My OH and i are more than willing to come down to you and give u a hand
------------- If I tried to tell you how much I love my cats, you wouldn't believe me - unless your heart is also meow-shaped and covered in stray fur.
Igot a halfords tent urban escape few years ago its fine when its put up coped well in all weathers,prblem is putting it up the sleeves for the poles seem to tight and to get the last pole into the pin you really have to put a lot of pressure on the poles feels like they could snap to be honest you couldnt go wrong on mine 4 poles same colour as each sleeve 2 black 2 grey hard part is once there in and getting them upright which have done on my own but its a pig to do ground sheet sorts it self out once pods are up.
Reminds me of the first time we tried to put up our brand new tent - it was a huge Coleman Columbia. My husband.son & daughter all had a go while I watched safely indoors. Everybody got really angry, my daughter went off in a huff, so I came on here pleading for help, and phoned a friend to come over. 3 hours later it was up and I had to tell my husband I really didn't like it - he was furious. We never did use it, and sold it for almost what we paid for it. The next was a Vango Oregon. Easier to work out how to put it up but the ring'n'pin was hard work and needed two people.
Good luck, I hope you manage to sort it out and enjoy some campung trips in it,