Birmingham is set to celebrate one of its biggest musical icons with the first-ever Ozzy Day on Wed 22. Jul.

Ozzy Osbourne fans can enjoy a free programme of live music, public art, special performances and shared moments celebrating the life, legacy and Birmingham roots of the Prince of Darkness.

Delivered by Central BID and OPUS (Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces) in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Birmingham New Street and Westside BID, the day will transform locations across the city into a living tribute to the Aston-born rock legend.

Taking place across Birmingham city centre, the event will invite visitors to explore the places that helped shape Ozzy’s story, with activity at the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham New Street Station, Bullring, Selfridges and Martineau Place.

One year on from the funeral procession where Bostin Brass performed, the five-piece brass band will once again bring the music of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath to the streets of Birmingham with a series of pop-up performances across the city.

 

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There will also be a special lunchtime performance by the musicians from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) at Bullring, while visitors can capture the moment with free commemorative Polaroids alongside a specially dressed Ozzy the Bull at Birmingham New Street.

Birmingham Music Archive will also be at Birmingham New Street, inviting fans to share their stories, memories and reflections on Ozzy’s impact on Birmingham and the world, contributing their messages to a commemorative guestbook. Alongside the live programme, OPUS has commissioned a series of short films documenting Birmingham’s tributes to Ozzy.

Sam Watson, Chair of Central BID Birmingham, said: “Ozzy Day is a fantastic example of Birmingham working together to celebrate the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. By bringing together businesses, cultural organisations and public spaces, we’re creating a city centre wide experience that encourages people to celebrate the legacy of a truly global, Birmingham-born icon.”

Visitors can follow Central BID’s ‘Celebrating Black Sabbath in the City’ map, available to collect from locations across the city centre, including Birmingham New Street Station, Selfridges and the Aston Villa store In Bullring and the Library of Birmingham. You can also download the map here.

Featured image credit: Ross Halfin.