25-07-2025
George Formby: Fans celebrate Manx TT film's 90th anniversary
George Formby fans from across the British Isles are to retrace the entertainer's steps to mark the 90th anniversary of his Isle of Man TT film No by Monty Banks, the film shot in 1935, saw Formby take on the role of George Shuttleworth, a chimney sweep from Wigan who dreamt of winning at the their trip, the George Formby Society (GFS) will join a special screening of musical comedy at the Manx Museum, visit filming locations and perform some of the star's most popular songs. Society president Andrew Poppleton said the film, which combined two of Formby's favourite interests - ukuleles and motorbikes - was responsible for "kick-starting his career".
Marking the anniversary by "coming to the Isle of Man, seeing his statue, seeing the film locations is really special for our members".
An actor, singer-songwriter and comedian, Formby was once the UK's highest paid entertainers during his heyday in the 1930s and Limit was shot against the backdrop of the 1935 TT races in locations around the Mountain Course, Douglas beach and the Palace 20 GFS members who have travelled from Gloucester, Yorkshire and Lancashire will join Manx members at the events across the will perform in Port Erin on Saturday and after a screening of No Limit being held at the Manx Museum on Sunday.
Audiences can expect to hear classics such as Leaning on a Lamppost, When I'm Cleaning Windows and Riding in the TT fan Nick Saunders, from the Isle of Man, said Formby's "personality captivated people, he had that magic something that you can't put your finger on, that you can't teach, and the resonates now as it did then".He said the production of the picture was "huge for the island at the time... and the fact the George went on to be the star that he was... I'm very proud of that, being a Manxman myself".
Mr Saunders said he thought it would be "magical" for other enthusiasts visiting for the first time to see locations "you can still recognise from the film, because the island hasn't changed that much in 90 years".He said it was "important to mark big milestones with tours like this because when the members get together with their ukes and the memories and the laughter, it keeps that flavour, that vibe of George alive".Created in partnership with the society, an exhibition about the film, that includes a ukulele signed by Formby, will also be on display at the Manx Museum in the Cabinet of Curiosity until 14 died, aged 56, in 1961.
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