Birmingham to host first ever 'Ozzy Day'
A free programme of events is being organised in the city as a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne
Birmingham will commemorate rock legend Ozzy Osbourne with the first-ever "Ozzy Day" on 22nd July, following his death last year.
The city-wide celebration will include live music, special performances, and tributes, reflecting the legacy of the Aston-born musician, globally known as the Prince of Darkness.
Organised by Central BID and OPUS (Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces) in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Birmingham New Street, and Westside BID, the event seeks to transform the city centre into a living tribute to Osbourne's illustrious career.
Visitors can explore sites that played a crucial role in Ozzy's life, including the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham New Street Station, Bullring, Selfridges, and Martineau Place.
A series of pop-up performances by Bostin Brass, a five-member brass band known for their renditions of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath songs, will be featured throughout the day.
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) will deliver a special performance at Bullring at 12:15 pm.
Organisers say visitors can capture memories with complimentary Polaroid photos alongside an Ozzy-themed Bull at Birmingham New Street from 11 am-2 pm and 3 pm-6 pm.
Birmingham Music Archive welcomes fans to share their stories and reflections on Ozzy's impact, gathering them in a commemorative guestbook celebrating the event's legacy.
To encapsulate the event, OPUS has commissioned short films documenting Birmingham's tribute through artistic moments, performances, and shared memories.
A limited-edition t-shirt displaying graphics from Ozzy's farewell concert, "Back to the Beginning," will be available at Selfridges, Bullring from 22nd July, highlighting the 52 gigs Ozzy performed in Birmingham.
Councillor Deborah Harries from Birmingham City Council said:“Ozzy Osbourne is one of Birmingham’s foremost cultural figures, and we continue to honour his legacy here in the city, where his journey began.”