Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Birmingham will celebrate the first “Ozzy Day” on Wednesday, July 22, honouring one of its greatest icons with a free program of live music, public art, special performances, and shared experiences honouring the life, legacy, and heritage of the Prince of Darkness, as per Blabbermouth. The day, which is being presented by Central BID and OPUS (Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces) in collaboration with Birmingham City Council, Birmingham New Street, and Westside BID, will turn various spots throughout the city into a living homage to the rock icon who was born in Aston. With activities at the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham New Street Station, Bullring, Selfridges, and Martineau Place, visitors will be encouraged to explore the locations that influenced Ozzy’s story around the city center of Birmingham.
A year after Bostin Brass’s performance at the funeral procession, the band will return to Birmingham’s streets with a series of pop-up shows using the music of Ozzy and Black Sabbath. Bullring will host a special lunchtime concert by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), and in Birmingham New Street, guests can snap free souvenir Polaroids with a specially dressed Ozzy the Bull. Additionally, Birmingham Music Archive will be present at Birmingham New Street to encourage fans to share their memories, stories, and thoughts about Ozzy‘s remarkable influence on Birmingham and the world. They will be able to add their messages to a commemorative guestbook that will be a part of the day’s enduring legacy.
In addition to the live show, OPUS has commissioned a number of short films that capture Birmingham’s homage to one of its most iconic cultural figures. The videos will establish a permanent record of a day that honours Ozzy’s extraordinary legacy and his enduring connection to Birmingham by capturing specially crafted artistic moments, live performances, and the memories shared by fans throughout the city. A custom limited-edition t-shirt featuring a triumphant Ozzy Osbourne image from his farewell performance, “Back To The Beginning,” has been created. A unique list of all 52 shows he performed in Birmingham over his career, both as a solo artist and with Black Sabbath, can be found on the reverse. Selfridges, Bullring will sell a limited quantity of t-shirts starting on July 22, while supplies last.
Highlights:
* Pop-up performances by Bostin Brass at locations across Birmingham city center:
– 08:30 – Birmingham New Street
– 10:00 – Outside Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
– 11:30 – Selfridges
– 12:45 – Black Sabbath Bench
– 15:00 – Martineau Place
* A special CBSO performance outside Selfridges in Bullring at 12:15 p.m.
* Free Polaroid photographs with Ozzy the Bull in his specially created Ozzy look from 11 a.m. to 2pm and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
* Opportunities to visit Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s “Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero” exhibition including Ozzy‘s iconic throne and explore the city’s “Celebrating Black Sabbath In The City” trail
* A series of specially commissioned digital films celebrating Birmingham’s tribute throughout the day.
* Limited-edition t-shirts can be purchased at Selfridges, Bullring from July 22, while stocks last.
‘Ozzy Day’ is a fantastic example of Birmingham working together to celebrate the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. By bringing together businesses, cultural organizations and public spaces, we’re creating a city center-wide experience that encourages people to celebrate the legacy of a truly global, Birmingham-born icon. – Sam Watson, Central BID chair
Ozzy Osbourne is one of Birmingham’s foremost cultural figures, and we continue to honor his legacy here in the city, where his journey began. I am glad to see the city partners coming together to celebrate Ozzy’s influence on music and his pride in his hometown. Black Sabbath’s contribution to Birmingham was recognized when they were awarded Freedom Of The City on 30 June 2025. All of these anniversary events are an opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate this legacy, while showcasing the creativity, culture and character that make Birmingham so special. – Deborah Harries, Birmingham City Council
The Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge have become internationally recognized landmarks, welcoming visitors from around the world who want to connect with Ozzy and Black Sabbath’s Birmingham story. We’re proud to be part of a day that celebrates Ozzy’s extraordinary legacy and the city they always called home and hope fans come and spend some time here over the next week. – Luisa Huggins, Westside BID media and communications manager
