The new High Sheriff of Greater Manchester strikes a chord with George Formby Society
The newly appointed High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mark Llewellin DL, has become the latest figure to celebrate one of the county’s most famous entertainers after welcoming members of the George Formby Society to a special event at Wigan Town Hall.
The High Sheriff, whose voluntary and non-political position includes supporting the judiciary, police, emergency services, charities and community organisations across Greater Manchester, recently hosted an event attended by local dignitaries, guests and well-known personalities.
He succeeds Wigan businessman and philanthropist Martin Ainscough in the role.
Providing part of the entertainment were George Formby Society members Andrew Poppleton and Dale Norman, who performed a selection of songs made famous by Wigan’s legendary ukulele-playing entertainer.
The occasion highlighted a royal connection which stretches back many decades. Earlier this year, King Charles III was photographed playing a ukulele during a public engagement, while as a young prince he saw Formby perform in person. Members of the George Formby Society have also previously entertained the late Queen Elizabeth II at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Mark Llewellin, a long-time admirer of George Formby’s music and legacy, later accepted an invitation to attend the Society’s annual convention at Blackpool’s Imperial Hotel, where he received an enthusiastic welcome from members gathered from across the UK and beyond.
George Formby remains one of Britain’s most enduring entertainers, and the society continues to promote his music, films and unique style of performance for new generations of fans. Formby’s most memorable works are his cheeky, double-entendre-laced ukulele songs and his string of slapstick comedy films from the 1930s and ’40s.
The High Sheriff has also expressed his support for a forthcoming George Formby Society appearance at the Grand Arcade on Saturday August 15. Members will be performing beside the Formby statue between noon and 2pm, bringing the sound of the ukulele back to the town where the much-loved entertainer was born.
A spokesperson for the George Formby Society, said: “We were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff to our convention and to share George Formby’s music at his recent civic event. George entertained audiences from every walk of life, including members of the Royal Family, and it is wonderful to see that enthusiasm for his music continuing today.”