David Sutton reported on the very first FantasyCon for Vol. 3 No. 1 of the BFS Bulletin, the March–April 1975 issue
The British Fantasy Society's first ever convention, FantasyCon, was, in no uncertain terms, a huge success. And I'm not saying that because I organised it! Although it was impossible to talk to everybody there, comments received on the day and by letter afterwards would indicate that everybody enjoyed themselves. which, to say the least, is very gratifying after having chewed my fingernails to the elbows in frantic anticipation of total disaster!
However, before I go any further, I must thank all the speakers for their involvement in the convention and their willingness to take part in what was, prior to the event, an unknown quantity. I would also like to thank the BFS Committee for their help, and the Book Dealers who came along, all of whom helped to make the convention more enjoyable. And last, but certainly by no means least, I must thank the convention attendees for coming along on February 22nd. After all, what could we do without an audience?
At the planning stage, FantasyCon was viable with 30 attendees. Well, we had over 50 people there on the day, mostly BFS members, but also a few friends of members too. In fact, the room hired for the event was only just large enough! Jim Pitts and David Fletcher laid on a very nice art-show which I'm sure was well appreciated, and the book dealers offered exactly what the fantasy fan most desires... books!
FantasyCon was not without some justifiable criticism. For instance, no allowance was made for a proper coffee break in the afternoon. However, generally, it was well planned out. We began in the morning with the BFS AGM, which is an informal meeting, the details of which are given elsewhere [in the newsletter]. Some interesting discussion came out of it, and the committee became more aware of why and what for the members who were there joined the society. The members also were able to put faces to committee names and meet those people working on their behalf to promote Fantasy.
After the two-hour lunch break we began the programme items, beginning with a panel discussion on horror fiction editing with Richard Davis, Hugh Lamb and David Sutton and ending with a panel on sword and sorcery fiction with Adrian Cole, John Martin and David McFerran. In between we had a talk on fanzines by Keith Walker, a discussion on Fantasy Art with Jim Pitts, Steve Jones and George Locke, and a talk on H.P. Lovecraft from Ramsey Campbell. It would be superfluous here to go into greater detail – not that there's the space – and no doubt some of the speeches may appear in BFS publications since everything was taped.
Like all really good conventions we've experienced (be they SF ones), our event ran late. This is true to form and no reflection on lack of organisation! Our programme booklet was, I hope, well liked by attendees, and since it really rates as a small magazine in its own right I hope as many members will continue to buy copies (an advert can be found elsewhere in the Bulletin) as we have in stock. One hundred were printed and we've sold half to FantasyCon attendees. So, if you want one, order it soon!
Finally, on the strength of this event it is certain that the BFS will attempt a similar thing again, obviously more lavish, probably lasting the whole of one weekend rather than a day, and hopefully we can at least double the attendance. Judging by the success of FantasyCon, I can only assume that Fantasy fandom in this country is willing and eager to have a convention where fans can meet socially and enjoy a varied programme devoted to their interests.
Again, thanks to all of you for a marvellous convention.
(c) David Sutton 1975