George Formby Society

The George Formby Society was created after the death of British vaudeville entertainer George Formby in 1961. A small group of his fans, brought together by an ad in The Stage placed by Londoner George Wilson,[1] met together in the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool to form the George Formby Society.[2] The first meeting drew a lot of attention and many celebrities of the day were there, including Arthur Askey. Four conventions are held in Blackpool each year.[1] Members are not required to have any musical ability to join.[1]

The George Formby Society performing at The Queen's Birthday Party in 2018

The society publishes a regular newsletter entitled "The Vellum."[3] In 2011 the society celebrated its 50th anniversary, and today it has more than 1,200 members worldwide. George Harrison was a fan of Formby, a member of the Society and an advocate of the ukulele.[4].

The various branches perform at local events and have regular meetings.[5] On 21 April 2018, the Society played at the Royal Albert Hall at The Queen's Birthday Party with guest artists Frank Skinner, Ed Balls and Harry Hill.[6]

References
  1. The George Formby Society
  2. Ukuleles at the Ready for George Formby Societys Convention, Adam Lusher, 08 Nov 2008, The Telegraph
  3. Whitcomb, Ian (2012). Ukulele Heroes - The Golden Age. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Books. pp. 67–8. ISBN 9781458416544.
  4. Tranquada, Jim (2012). The Ukulele: a History. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 162–3. ISBN 978-0-8248-3544-6.
  5. Mid Devon Gazette, George Formby Society to perform at Uffculme show, April 25, 2014
  6. "The Queen's Birthday Party - in pictures". The Telegraph. 22 April 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
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