Ready for a cheeky romp through Vauxhall’s colourful past? This October, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens is set to take you on a journey through history with an AR (Augmented Reality) experience. Forget the stuffy museums and dry history books—here, you’ll meet the iconic, scandalous, and utterly fabulous figures who made Vauxhall the wild heart of London. All you need is your smartphone and a sense of adventure!
Leading the parade? None other than the legendary drag queen Lily Savage, who’s returning to her stomping grounds at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern—this time in AR. Relive her unforgettable 1987 police raid arrest, where Lily famously gave her name to the desk sergeant as “Lily Savage.” Expect a filter full of one-liners, sass, and some delightfully camp surprises as you immerse yourself in the magic and mischief of Vauxhall’s queer history.
Scandals, Tightropes, and Fireworks—Vauxhall’s Wildest Characters in AR
As you wander the Pleasure Gardens, you’ll stumble upon notorious figures who defined Vauxhall’s racy reputation. Take a spin with Madame Saqui as she balances high above your head on a tightrope, or try to keep pace with William Henry Lane (Master Juba) as he tap dances his way through the gardens. Whether you’re soaring with balloonist Charles Green or dodging flirtation in the Dark Walk, these AR filters put you right in the heart of Vauxhall’s chaotic, thrilling legacy.
Created by Vauxhall One in collaboration with Bristol’s tech wizards at Zubr Curio, this immersive experience brings 12 historical moments to life through state-of-the-art AR filters. There’s something for everyone—whether you fancy guiding a dancing horse with Mademoiselle Caroline or channelling your inner daredevil by sticking your head into a lion’s mouth with Isaac Van Amburgh.
Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect:
Lily Savage at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern: A larger-than-life mural projection of Paul O’Grady’s beloved drag persona. It’s witty, wild, and a perfect homage to Lily’s trailblazing time at the Tavern.
The Orchestra Facade: Light up the night as the 18th-century bandstand sparkles with dancers and music.
The Dark Walk: Wander through scandal-filled alleyways, and you might just overhear some risqué gossip!
Master Juba: Test your tap-dancing skills with the father of modern dance in an energetic AR challenge.
Madame Saqui: Watch the famous tightrope walker perform a heart-stopping routine high above the Pleasure Gardens.
And much more!
Plan Your Vauxhall AR Adventure
The AR filters will be available from the end of October—perfect timing for the half-term holidays! Grab your map at Vauxhall City Farm Café and take a self-guided AR tour through the Pleasure Gardens. Along the way, you’ll unlock fun and fabulous pieces of history that will make you see Vauxhall in a new light.
