Ed Balls, Frank Skinner and Harry Hill
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. Three conventions are held in Blackpool each year. [1] Members are not required to have any musical ability to join. [1]
The society publishes a regular magazine entitled "The Vellum." [3] In 2011 the society celebrated its 50th anniversary, and today it has more than 700 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
- ^ a b c The George Formby Society
- ^ Ukuleles at the Ready for George Formby Societys Convention, Adam Lusher, 08 Nov 2008, The Telegraph
- ^ Whitcomb, Ian (2012). Ukulele Heroes - The Golden Age. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Books. pp. 67–8. ISBN 9781458416544.
- ^ Tranquada, Jim (2012). The Ukulele: a History. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 162–3. ISBN 978-0-8248-3544-6.
- ^ Mid Devon Gazette, George Formby Society to perform at Uffculme show, April 25, 2014
- ^ "The Queen's Birthday Party - in pictures". The Telegraph. 22 April 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2021.