Backdrops from notorious Willy Wonka Experience spark bidding frenzy

11 March 2024 , 14:36

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Backdrops from the viral Willy Wonka Experience event in Glasgow (Image: Jam Press/Monorail Music)

The notorious backdrops from the doomed Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgow are being auctioned off and have raised over £600 for charity so far.

Despite being nothing more than a piece of fabric with a presumed AI-generated picture of a land filled with sweets and the famous "tunnel" where The Unknown appeared from, these pieces of internet history have sparked a bidding war. The items have already had 45 bids so far and are set to sell for at least £625 each.

But with the auction not ending until Thursday (14 March), there's every possibility that these could fetch a much higher price. The pieces of material are being sold by Monorail Music, a record shop based in Glasgow, with all profits being donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians. The eBay description reads: "1 x The original House Of Illuminati 'Willy's Chocolate Experience' Landscape Backdrop.

"1 x Willy's Chocolate Experience Portrait Backdrop. Free Bonus - the entire 'Time Tunnel' fabric. Yes, it's real. A friend of ours has a workshop below the House Of Illuminati Willy's Chocolate Experience and rescued these original printed backdrops from the bin following the globally reported Willy Wonka scam.

Bids for over £600 have already been made (Jam Press/Monorail Music)

"Monorail will be donating 100% of the profits from the sale to Medical Aid For Palestinians." This was followed up by a joking reference to AI. It read: "AI says: 'This unique and exclusive item is a must-have for any fan of the House of Illuminati brand. The Glasgow Willy Wonka Experience Original Backdrops feature a stunning array of colours that will brighten up any room. Made for collectors, this item is a licensed original reproduction that is sure to impress.

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"Whether you're using it as a mug, dinnerware or a decorative piece, this item is perfect for any kitchen or home. It's a great conversation starter and an ideal collectable for enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own a piece of history'."

News of the sale went down a storm on X, where users expressed their delight that these pieces of viral history are up for sale. One person wrote: "This is Monorail's finest moment." A second user added: "This is the greatest thing. Am bidding furiously." [sic] Someone else said: "Squint your eyes and you're there. Hyper real. I hope they raise a decent amount, well done folks."

One of the actors hired to play Oompa-Loompas at the Willy Wonka experience (X)

The Wonka event became one of the biggest accidental viral stories of the year so far after its doomed launch last month. Visitors were promised delights including a "twilight tunnel" and an "imagination lab" where "the boundaries between reality and fantasy harmoniously merge."

Sadly, the reality of the £35-a-head event was extremely disappointing. Visitors entered a sparsely decorated space where children were given a single jellybean and a quarter cup of lemonade. The disaster soon became a viral hit, partially thanks to the efforts of the actors, who did their best to make it fun for the otherwise disappointed children.

Emma Guinness