Birmingham will celebrate the life and legacy of one of its most famous sons on Wednesday 22nd July as the city stages its first-ever Ozzy Day – a free programme of live music, performances, public art and fan tributes honouring Ozzy Osbourne.
Delivered by Central BID and OPUS (Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces) in partnership with Westside BID, Birmingham City Council and Birmingham New Street and, the city-wide celebration will transform locations across Birmingham into a tribute to the Aston-born pioneer of heavy metal.
Highlights include pop-up performances from Bostin Brass, returning one year after performing during Ozzy’s funeral procession, alongside a special performance by Bostin Brass at Westside’s Black Sabbath Bench at 13:00. Fans can also have free commemorative Polaroid photographs taken with Ozzy the Bull in a specially created Ozzy-inspired look, contribute memories to a commemorative guestbook hosted by Birmingham Music Archive, and visit Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s Ozzy exhibition.
Credit: Image supplied by Opus
A series of specially commissioned short films will document the day’s performances, artistic interventions and fan tributes, creating a lasting record of Birmingham’s celebration of one of its greatest cultural icons.
Event Highlights include:
Pop-up performances by Bostin Brass at locations across Birmingham city centre
○ 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 12:15pm
To mark the occasion, a limited-edition Ozzy Day T-shirt featuring artwork from Back to the Beginning and listing all 52 Birmingham performances from Ozzy’s career will go on sale at Selfridges, Bullring from 22 July while stocks last.
Sam Watson, Chair 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 icon.”
Cabinet Member for Culture, Birmingham City Council, said:
“Ozzy Osbourne is one of Birmingham’s greatest cultural icons. His influence on music is immeasurable, but his pride in his hometown has always remained at the heart of his story. Ozzy Day is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to celebrate that legacy while showcasing the creativity, culture and character that make Birmingham such a special city.”
Lusia Huggins, Media and Communications Manager at Westside BID, said:
“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.”
Running throughout Wednesday 22nd July, Ozzy Day invites residents, visitors and music fans from across the world to celebrate a working-class hero whose journey from Aston to international stardom continues to inspire generations.
Further details, including additional city-centre activity, will be announced ahead of the event. The latest programme information is available at Birmingham to celebrate first ‘Ozzy Day’ with music, memories and surprises – Central BID Birminghamand via #OzzyDay on social media.
