George Formby at the Grandstand as George Shuttleworth
The George Formby Society – ‘No Limit’ 90th Anniversary Tour and Film Screening
To celebrate 90 years since the filming of ‘No Limit’ members of the George Formby Society members are travelling to the Isle of Man for a week of celebrations which take place from Friday 25 July until Friday 1 August 2025.
Released in 1935, ‘No Limit’ is a beloved musical comedy set against the thrilling backdrop of the Isle of Man TT races. It follows the charming journey of George Shuttleworth (played by George Formby), a humble chimney sweep with dreams of racing glory.
Many of the racing scenes in the film were performed by motorcycling riders from the Isle of Man such as brothers Bertie and Harold Rowell. Members of the Peveril Motorcycle Club also carried out some of the stunts, including Cyril Standen who crashed into the front-door of the Ballacraine Hotel and the crash into the river at Sulby. Manxman Jack Cannell also featured as a stunt rider wearing bib number 15. Formby performed some stunts himself, including the scene where his character weaves in and out of his rival's machines on the Cronk-y-Voddy Straight.
The film shot to popularity, putting George Formby on the road to stardom, becoming the UK’s highest paid entertainer and Britain's first properly home-grown screen comedian. During the Second World War he worked extensively for the Entertainments National Service Association, and entertained civilians and troops, and by 1946 it was estimated that he had performed in front of three million service personnel.
George Formby died at just 56 years old in March 1961. He had a worldwide following. The George Formby Society was formed in September 1961 to perpetuate the memory and music of this outstanding British entertainer and comedian. The society holds four conventions a year in the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool, the spiritual home of George Formby, who was a Wigan lad. There are over 800 members many of whom play the banjo ukulele and keep the memory and music of George Formby alive.
The 90th anniversary weekend has been meticulously planned by Nick Saunders and Andrew Poppleton, President of the George Formby Society and offers a unique opportunity for society members to immerse themselves in George Formby's legacy, visit filming locations and explore the Isle of Man’s rich heritage. Members will visit the "No Limit" exhibition at the Manx Museum where an exhibition dedicated to the film is currently on display in the Cabinet of Curiosity.
Andrew Poppleton said:
“No Limit is one of George Formby’s greatest films and the one that put him on the road to stardom! The Society is very much looking forward to visiting the Isle of Man to mark the 90th anniversary, where we invite you to join us to mark this special occasion”.
To coincide with the visit, Manx National Heritage will be offering the opportunity to relive the magic of ‘No Limit’ at a special screening at the Manx Museum in Douglas on Sunday 27 July. Following the screening members of the George Formby Society will play some of George’s most famous hits as well as a free introductory workshop on how to play like Formby.
Tickets to the film screening cost £5 plus an optional donation to Manx National Heritage to support the charity’s work in caring for the Isle of Man’s heritage. Doors open at 12.30pm for a 1pm start.
As part of the celebration, Manx National Heritage is also offering the opportunity to participate in Ukulele Discovery Workshop, hosted in association with ‘Mannic Ukers’. The workshop takes place on Wednesday 30 July and Friday 1 August 2025. Tickets cost £20, plus an optional donation to Manx National Heritage.
Tickets to both events are available at www.manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on - book now to secure your place.