The Enigmatic Tale of the Vril-Ya Bazaar and Fête: Hailed as the 'Planet's Inaugural Sci-Fi Gathering'

London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall was magically reimagined into an otherworldly realm. The walls were covered in striking, unfamiliar art, and winged figures dangled from above. Attendees embraced the theme, swapping everyday attire for bizarre outfits. Beyond the stunning visuals, visitors could explore stalls brimming with goods, manned by women in vibrant dresses and unconventional attire, alongside unique activities drawn from a beloved science fiction story of the time.

While it resembles a present-day sci-fi event, this extraordinary assembly occurred over a century ago.

The Vril-Ya Bazaar and Fête, a charitable fair and fundraiser, laid the groundwork for modern fan conventions such as Comic-Con and WonderCon. Recognized by the BBC and others as “the planet’s first sci-fi convention,” this event, however, centered around a single, peculiar literary work: Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s acclaimed novel Vril: The Power of The Coming Race.

The Might of Vril

Released in 1871, Vril narrated the tale of an extraordinary subterranean race possessing unparalleled abilities in healing, intelligence, telepathy, and even flight. The novel swiftly embedded itself into the cultural fabric of Victorian England, with the term Vril—a fictional fluid from the book that amplified the powers of the Vril-ya people—becoming synonymous with invigorating tonics.

Dr. Herbert Tibbits, founder of London's West End Hospital and School of Massage and Electricity, which specialized in experimental therapies for paralysis, epilepsy, and “other nervous disorders,” saw the book as an ideal theme for a fundraising event. Tibbits was no stranger to organizing such events, having hosted numerous successful bazaars in the 1880s, and the public eagerly anticipated his next imaginative creation [PDF].

In February, newspapers announced the bazaar, and on March 5, 1891, Prince Henry and Princess Beatrice of Battenberg formally inaugurated the event, collecting contributions for the West End Hospital. Representatives from various groups approached the royals individually, presenting purses filled with donations.

Admission to the bazaar cost the public between five shillings and a pound and a shilling. Inside the main hall, visitors were met with a stunning spectacle: Inspired by the ancient Egyptian-inspired underground world of the novel, a massive canvas adorned with Egyptian motifs covered one wall. Mannequins representing the Vril-ya people dangled overhead, and a towering "Column of the Vril-Ya" stood prominently in the center.

Guests embraced the Vril theme with elaborate costumes—some donned wings, while others opted for ancient Greek or Egyptian attire. A full schedule of performances entertained the crowd, including magic acts, dramatic readings, concerts by The Ladies’ Guitar Band, and organ recitals. Around the hall, stalls offered unique activities like indoor fishing, palm reading, a mind-reading demon dog, and an array of unusual shopping opportunities.

Visitors were invited to sample Bovril, a savory beef extract drink rebranded after the success of Bulwer-Lytton’s novel. Its name, a portmanteau of bovine and Vril, was highlighted in the event program, which humorously noted that Bovril “won’t achieve the impossible, but it will have a remarkable effect on the body.” (Today, a version of Bovril is still available, marketed by Unilever UK as a concentrate akin to Marmite or Vegemite, and it retains a loyal fanbase.)

A Fantastical Failure

While Bovril gained popularity, the bazaar itself fell short of expectations. Despite extensive media attention and public curiosity, reviews were largely negative. “I found nothing particularly appealing or noteworthy,” remarked a correspondent for The Preston Herald after the first day. The writer, anticipating a refined affair, was unimpressed by the decor and costumes. Another critic was harsher, stating in Truth, “a more embarrassing exhibition of childish and absurd fantasies has never been conceived.”

Originally planned for three days, the event was extended by two additional days—not because of high demand, but to offset the financial losses from the extravagant production. Just three months after the event concluded, Tibbits filed for bankruptcy, attributing his financial downfall to the bazaar, which not only failed to raise funds for his hospital but also resulted in a £1600 deficit.

Bankruptcy proceedings uncovered that the purses presented to Prince Henry and Princess Beatrice at the event’s opening were largely empty, with only a few containing actual donations.

The Enduring Impact of the Vril-Ya Bazaar and Fête

Although the event didn’t resonate well with its audience, it undeniably laid the groundwork for modern pop culture gatherings, featuring attendees dressed in sci-fi attire and embodying beloved characters.

“We’ve had numerous themed balls and charity fêtes, but this was something entirely different,” Elizabeth Harper, archive manager at the Royal Albert Hall, explained to Mytour in 2021. “Its foundation in an early sci-fi novel and the hall’s unique decorations truly set it apart.”

In this sense, the Vril-Ya Bazaar wasn’t a direct blueprint for contemporary sci-fi conventions but rather an early experiment from which later events drew inspiration. Rob Hansen, an expert in the culture and history of fandom, identifies the roots of organized pop-culture fandom in the 1920s, when readers of Amazing Stories began corresponding. The first official gathering of sci-fi enthusiasts occurred in December 1929 with the Scienceers in Harlem, New York City, and the first event officially termed a “convention” took place in the UK in January 1937. Hansen, however, views the Vril-Ya Bazaar as a forerunner to these fan-driven events.

“When we examine an event like this, we think, ‘that resembles a sci-fi convention,’” he told Mytour. “But science fiction as a defined genre didn’t yet exist—it was, in a way, a premature attempt.” It appears that in the late 19th century, the world wasn’t quite prepared for a genuine sci-fi convention. The Vril-Ya Bazaar may have simply been ahead of its time.

Originally published in 2021, this article has been revised and updated for 2024.