On Wednesday, July 22, Birmingham will pay tribute to one of its most legendary sons with the inaugural “Ozzy Day” — a free, city-wide celebration featuring live music, public art installations, special performances, and community events honoring the life, legacy, and Birmingham roots of the one and only Prince of Darkness.
Delivered by Central BID and OPUS (Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces) in collaboration with Birmingham City Council, Birmingham New Street, and Westside BID, the celebration will turn venues and public spaces throughout the city into a vibrant tribute to the Aston-born rock icon.
Spanning Birmingham city centre, the celebration will invite visitors to discover the landmarks that played a part in Ozzy’s remarkable journey, with events and activities taking place at the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham New Street Station, Bullring, Selfridges, and Martineau Place.
One year after performing during Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral procession, the five-piece BOSTIN BRASS will once again fill Birmingham’s streets with the music of Ozzy and BLACK SABBATH, staging a series of pop-up performances across the city. Meanwhile, musicians from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) will present a special lunchtime performance at Bullring, while visitors will have the chance to take home free commemorative Polaroids with a specially dressed Ozzy the Bull at Birmingham New Street Station.
At the same location, Birmingham Music Archive will encourage fans to share their personal memories, stories, and reflections on Ozzy’s extraordinary influence on both Birmingham and the wider world. Their messages will be collected in a commemorative guestbook, creating a lasting tribute to the Prince of Darkness and his remarkable legacy.
Alongside the live events, OPUS has commissioned a series of short films capturing Birmingham’s tribute to one of the city’s most iconic figures. Featuring specially created artistic installations, live performances, and heartfelt memories shared by fans, the films will serve as a lasting record of a unique celebration honoring Ozzy’s extraordinary legacy and his deep-rooted connection to Birmingham.
To mark the inaugural “Ozzy Day”, a special limited-edition t-shirt has been created, featuring a striking graphic of Ozzy Osbourne from his farewell concert, “Back To The Beginning”. The back of the shirt showcases a unique timeline of all 52 performances Ozzy played in Birmingham throughout his career, both as a solo artist and as a member of BLACK SABBATH. A limited quantity will be available exclusively at Selfridges, Bullring, from July 22, while supplies last.
