Fans mark 90 years of George Formby TT film

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 Limit.

Directed 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 races.

During 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".

Andrew Poppleton said the trip was a way to keep the performer's memory alive

An actor, singer-songwriter and comedian, Formby was once the UK's highest paid entertainers during his heyday in the 1930s and 1940s.

No Limit was shot against the backdrop of the 1935 TT races in locations around the Mountain Course, Douglas beach and the Palace Ballrooms.

About 20 GFS members who have travelled from Gloucester, Yorkshire and Lancashire will join Manx members at the events across the island.

They will perform in Port Erin on Saturday and after a screening of No Limit being held at the Manx Museum on Sunday.

George Formby enthusiasts of all ages have joined the tour, which includes a stop at the Formby statue in Douglas

Audiences can expect to hear classics such as Leaning on a Lamppost, When I'm Cleaning Windows and Riding in the TT Races.

Lifelong 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".

Nick Saunders has been a Formby Fan for almost 40 years

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 September.

Formby died, aged 56, in 1961.