George Formby Remembered 60 years on

Six decades ago on 6th March, Wigan lost one of its most famous sons. At his peak George Formby was the highest-paid star in the entertainment world with a series of hit comedy films on the big screen and countless risque songs accompanied on his banjolele.

By Michelle Adamson

Published 6th Mar 2021, 09:30 BST

Here we look back at the singer-comedian's life and times - enjoy!

1.

English entertainer George Formby amongst the crowd of war workers, during a free concert in the north of England in October 1940.

Photo Sales

2.

Although George Formby would refer to it as a ukulele, the instrument he mostly played was actually a banjolele – a kind of uke/banjo hybrid - pictured entertaining the troops.