Alan Arnison

One of the original Manchester agents, Alan ran a busy office in Spring Gardens, moving on to Wellington Road South, Stockport. 

Alan Arnison then transferred business to Old Trafford for many years, then back to Poynton near his home, an over shop office, then finally from his house. He sold up his property eventually and then went to Spain. 

The agency still bears his name and is run by Mike James - the bandleader at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool. 

I first worked with Alan Arnison when he took over running the agency from his father, on Stockport Road. I'm talking a good 30 years ago. He was one of the very best agents I've ever worked with, and I am still going strong today.

Thanks to his advice and assistance I have been able to make a success in the entertainment industry. I'll always remember him fondly, and I hope he is enjoying his time in Spain.

Geddes Yates, Tropical Heatwave Steelpan Combo

I worked for Alan Arnison in the late '60s and the last time I saw Alan was when he came to see my band at Pontins South Shore Blackpool in 1971 (Dave Spencer Trio).

Fond memories of Alan, one of the very few gentlemen agents in showbusiness and respected by many Manchester bands.

After a summer season at Pontins Blackpool I teamed up with Graham Harwood (Barnaby) comedian and became Spencer Brothers. Graham and I worked together as a comedy double act touring the night club scene in the UK until 1973.

Eventually I got back into the band scene working as (The Spencer Band), the line up was me on guitar, Roly ex-talk of the North bass guitarist of (The Images) and my wife Linda on drums and vocals.

I now live just outside Blackpool (Stalmine) and work with my wife Linda (Studio 2). I also run a media company The DVD News Ltd. I came across your website because I was looking at some of the Manchester Agents to see whether they were still in operation. Interesting site, Thank You !!

Dave Spencer

Yes, I have fond memories of Alan Arnison. I was running a small Function Band in the mid 1970s when out of the blue came a call from Alan Arnison. I'd just teamed up with the late Alan Yates from Altrincham (Guitarist-Banjo-vocals), the late Eddie Hosey from Eccles (bass-vocals) and Ronnie Arnold (drums). We called the band The Alan Anthony Set. Anyway, Alan Arnison put us in all the big Manchester City Hotels of the day - The Piccadilly, The Grand, Portland etc. Also lots of Golf Clubs and Masonics, Tiffanys Blackpool etc. Even alongside The Andy Ross Orchestra on stage at the Piccadilly for the opening do of the Daily Star Newspaper. Alan and Linda Arnison came to our wedding in 1980 (I gather he was possibly hoping that Jim Kennedy from Pontins would be there too - but as it was I didn't even get a card from him!). Some nice blankets off Alan and Linda. I wonder how many of his other acts he ever bought blankets for? (haha).

Alan also kept a "little separate book" for Kids Magicians, and he booked myself and my wife out on quite a few of these too. Remember going to Old Trafford to take him his commissions as though it were yesterday. Good man - happy memories.

Tony Gayle - pianist www.soundclick.com/cjazzicalpiano - 27/11/13