Alistair Birdsell, fondly nicknamed ‘Big Al’ passed away following a short illness
18:49, 30 Dec 2025Updated 18:50, 30 Dec 2025
Alistair Birdsell (Image: Family Submit)
Tributes have been pouring in for an ‘influential’ Gay Village nightclub and bar manager after his tragic death on Boxing Day. Alistair Birdsell, fondly known as ‘Big Al’ died following a short illness, his brother said.
Alistair was described as the ‘charismatic licensee’ of Prague V on Chorlton Street – where Maya now stands – and Berlin, the former nightclub on Bloom Street, and was a well known and loved figure within the nightlife community in Manchester’s Gay Village.
His brother Jim described Alistair as having a ‘massive influence’ on Manchester’s nightlife scene, later going on to manage Kro at Piccadilly Gardens, which closed its doors in 2014, and described him fondly as ‘the best big brother you could ever ask for’.
The 55-year-old tragically passed away following a ‘short but brutal illness’ on December 26. Tributes have since been posted across social media, remembering Alistair as ‘warm and kind’ and a ‘lovely guy who was a big part of the Gay Village’ in Manchester.
Sharing a tribute, Canal Street Manchester posted: “For those that remember and frequented Prague V on Canal Street (now the part of Maya that faces the canal) and Berlin – the nightclub on bloom street – You will likely remember the charismatic licensee and GM of both venues – Alistair Birdsell.
“For many years [he] welcomed thousands of people into both venues – always with warmth, kindness, a genuine interest in everyone and a wicked sense of humour. He was a 6’4” booming-voiced Yorkshireman who adopted Manchester as his home.
“Loved by the community, he was close friends with many of the other publicans, punters and bar staff. If you knew him, please raise a glass, light a candle or remember the good times from the 90s and early 2000s.”
His brother Jim said Alistair, who lived in Blackley, later became a postman and had a fond love off the outdoors, joining Manchester-based walking group Outdoor Lads. He said funeral arrangements are now being organised.
“I remember that face. One of the amazing people who changed the face of canal street. Always a lovely, kind man,” one tribute read, as another posted: “I remember him. He was a lovely guy, big part of the village when it used to be a great place to go.”
Other tributes were also paid online, as one person penned: “He was such a loveable caring guy, he lived opposite me for years in Blackley, having known him since the days of Prague five and Kro. When COVID hit and furlough came into play, he then started working for Royal Mail and became our postman.
“We always walked past his house on walks with our dogs, and he would always make time to come out and say hello to them and us. RIP big al, fly high x.”
Another read: “This is so sad. Al was a great boss when I worked at Prague 5 and Berlin. Always lots of fun and extremely kind hearted. Huge character in the village and will be missed by so many whose lives he touched.”