City-Wide Tribute to the Prince of Darkness
Birmingham is set to honor its legendary son, Ozzy Osbourne, with a full day of activities on Wednesday, July 22, marking one year since the death of the Black Sabbath frontman. Ozzy Day will transform the city into a living tribute to the singer, who died at age 76 last year, just weeks after his final gig at Villa Park Stadium.
The event, delivered by Central BID in partnership with Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS), features live music, public art, and special performances across the city. OPUS also organized the cortege procession that brought Ozzy home to Birmingham before his funeral in Buckinghamshire.
Live Music and Performances
Bostin Brass, which accompanied Ozzy's coffin down Broad Street, will perform Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne tunes in pop-up appearances at multiple locations: Birmingham New Street at 8:30am, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery at 10am, Selfridges at 11:30am, the Black Sabbath Bench at 12:45pm, and Martineau Place at 3pm.
Musicians from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) will give a special lunchtime performance outside Selfridges in the Bullring at 12:15pm.
Commemorative Activities
At New Street, Ozzy the Bull – the Commonwealth Games landmark named after the Aston-born performer – will be dressed for the occasion. Fans can pose for free commemorative Polaroid snaps with the bull from 11am-2pm and 3pm-6pm.
A commemorative guestbook at New Street will allow the Birmingham Music Archive to capture memories, reflections, and stories for the city's history. OPUS has also commissioned short films featuring live performances and artistic moments highlighting Ozzy's heavy metal legacy and his connection to Birmingham.
Limited-Edition Merchandise
Selfridges will sell a special limited-edition T-shirt featuring an Ozzy Osbourne graphic produced for his final show. The shirt lists all 52 gigs he played in Birmingham over his career and will be available from July 22 while stocks last.
Official Reactions
Sam Watson, chair of Central BID, 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."
Councillor Deborah Harries, cabinet member for culture at Birmingham City Council, added: "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. 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 recognised when they were awarded Freedom of the City on June 30 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."
Luisa Huggins, media and communications manager at Westside BID, commented: "The Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge have become internationally recognised 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."
Full Schedule for Ozzy Day
- Bostin Brass at Birmingham New Street – 8:30am
- Bostin Brass at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – 10am
- Bostin Brass at Selfridges – 11:30am
- Special CBSO performance outside Selfridges, Bullring – 12:15pm
- Bostin Brass at Black Sabbath Bench – 12:45pm
- Bostin Brass at Martineau Place – 3pm
- Free Polaroid photos with Ozzy the Bull – 11am-2pm and 3pm-6pm
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery's Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition – open all day
- Limited-edition T-shirts on sale at Selfridges – all day
