851 George Formby ‘soundalikes’ smash ukulele world record

23 June 2009

Thousands turn out to see the ukalele record-breaker

By Victoria Huntley

HUNDREDS of enthusiastic ukulele players plucked their way into the Guinness Book of World Records in London’s East End strumming all at once.

Thousands of spectators filled Devonshire Square off Petticoat Lane on Saturday to hear 851 ‘George Formby’ enthusiasts strum their way into the record books with a mass rendition of the Beach Boys’ classic Sloop John B.

It was enough for Jona Lewie, famous for the 1980 Christmas hit Stop the Cavalry, comedian Phil Jupitus, members of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and staff from Duke of Uke ukulele shop in the square to lead off the record breaker.

An independent adjudicator from Guinness registered the 851 players who beat a record of 401 set in Stockholm in 2007.

Everyone who took part in the record strum-along gets a certificate from Guinness Book of Records.

The ukulele record-breaker can be watched online.