George Formby Society

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

The George Formby Society was created after the death of George Formby, a well known entertainer in vaudeville and movies in Great Britain. When Formby died in 1961, a small group of 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]

The society publishes a regular newsletter entitled "The Vellum."[3] In 2011 the 'GFS' celebrated its Golden Jubilee, and today it has more than 1,200 members worldwide.

The various branches perform at local events, travel together and have regular 'thrashes' where everyone is welcome.[4]
On 21 April 2018, the George Formby Society was invited to play at the Royal Albert Hall at The Queen's Birthday Party with guest artists Frank Skinner, Ed Balls and Harry Hill.

George Harrison was a fan of Formby, a member of the Society and an advocate of the ukulele.[5] Harrison played an ukulele solo in the style of Formby at the end of "Free as a Bird". A member of the Society does not need to have musical ability to join the George Formby Society.[1]

Branches

  • Sheffield and South Yorkshire[6]
  • Stourbridge GFS Branch
  • Penn Ukulele Club
  • Liverpool GFS Branch[1]
  • London GFS Branch[1]
  • Sale GFS Branch, Greater Manchester[1]
  • Blackpool GFS Branch
  • Surrey GFS Branch
  • Castleford GFS Branch

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 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. ↑ Mid Devon Gazette, George Formby Society to perform at Uffculme show, April 25, 2014
  5. ↑ Tranquada, Jim (2012). The Ukulele: a History. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 162–3. ISBN 978-0-8248-3544-6.
  6. ↑ Sheffield Telegraph, Turned out nice again, 27 October 2011
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