IF he could be there, it’s pretty certain George Formby would say: “Turned out nice again.”
He won’t be, of course, even though May 26 would have been his 114th birthday.
But if the legendary George is missing from Warrington Market on that day, he will be well represented by members of the George Formby Society – dozens of them – all twanging away on their ukuleles.
The “Formby thrash” is part of a wider celebration of 1940s British culture at the Market, with more details of the attractions to follow.
The mass thrash will take place at 12 noon and be repeated at 2pm at the market in Time Square.
The humble ukulele is enjoying a huge revival across the UK, as clubs spring up and people of all ages take up this addictive instrument.
One of its greatest exponents was Warrington lad George Formby, who was the biggest box-office draw in 1930s cinema and a huge music hall star too.
Youngster James Fleming, aged 12, got the ukulele bug last year and wanted to celebrate George’s life and music by organising a `thrash,’ which is simply a massed crowd of uke players, all twanging like there’s no tomorrow.
James said: “I love everything about George Formby; his acting style, the jokes and the songs. But he was a brilliant ukulele player as well – I practice every day to try and be that good.
“When I visit the local George Formby Society meetings they always have a `thrash,’ which is just good old fashioned fun and that’s what we want to do on George’s birthday; play our ukes and have a laugh.”
More ukulele players are wanted for the big day – the more the merrier.
Anyone, including novices, is welcome to join in and anyone who wants to join in the thrash should call Eileen Fleming on 01925 571207 during work hours, or email [email protected] anytime.
They’ve already had a warm-up session which you can see here: http://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/2018/02/25/george-formby-fans-entertain-local-shoppers/
George Formby fans outside the market – Picture Paul Jackson
