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]

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.

The various branches perform at local events and have regular meetings.[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]

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. 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.
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