{"id":696185,"date":"2026-07-17T06:43:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T06:43:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/696185\/"},"modified":"2026-07-17T06:43:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T06:43:17","slug":"birmingham-to-celebrate-first-ozzy-day-with-music-memories-and-surprises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/696185\/","title":{"rendered":"Birmingham to celebrate first ‘Ozzy Day’ with music, memories and surprises"},"content":{"rendered":"

Birmingham will come together to honour one of its greatest music and cultural icons as the city celebrates the first Ozzy Day on Wednesday 22 July. <\/p>\n

Ozzy Osbourne fans will 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.<\/p>\n

Ozzy the Bull will even be dressed up for the occasion. Those worldwide can keep up with events by following #OzzyDay on social media.<\/p>\n

\"\"Back to the Beginning exhibition in Grand Central above New Street Station is among attractions to see<\/p>\n

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. You can download the map here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Taking place across Birmingham city centre, visitors will be invited to explore the places that helped shape Ozzy\u2019s story, with activity at the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham New Street Station, Bullring, Selfridges and Martineau Place.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

A special lunchtime performance by the musicians from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) will take place at Bullring, while visitors can capture the moment with free commemorative Polaroids alongside a specially dressed Ozzy the Bull at Birmingham New Street.<\/p>\n

\"\"Music attractions in Birmingham include a Black Sabbath mural, created by Central BID and signed by the band<\/p>\n

Birmingham Music Archive will also be on hand at Birmingham New Street to invite fans to share their stories, memories and reflections on Ozzy\u2019s extraordinary impact on Birmingham and the world, contributing their messages to a commemorative guestbook that will become part of the day\u2019s lasting legacy.<\/p>\n

Alongside the live programme, OPUS has commissioned a series of short films documenting Birmingham\u2019s tribute to one of its greatest cultural icons. Capturing specially created artistic moments, live performances and the memories shared by fans across the city, the films will create a lasting record of a day that celebrates Ozzy\u2019s remarkable legacy and his lifelong connection to Birmingham<\/p>\n

To celebrate Ozzy Day in Birmingham, a bespoke limited-edition T-shirt has been produced, with a triumphant Ozzy Osbourne graphic from his farewell concert, Back to the Beginning. On the reverse is a unique listing of all 52 gigs he played in Birmingham throughout his career, as both a solo artist and with Black Sabbath.<\/p>\n

A limited number of T-Shirts can be purchased at Selfridges, Bullring from 22 July, while stocks last.<\/p>\n

Sam Watson, Chair of Central BID Birmingham, said: \u201cOzzy 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\u2019re creating a city centre wide experience that encourages people to celebrate the legacy of a truly global, Birmingham-born icon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Ozzy Osbourne\u2019s throne at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery<\/p>\n

Running throughout Wednesday 22 July, the programme invites residents, visitors and music fans from around the world to come together in celebration of a working-class hero whose influence continues to inspire generations.<\/p>\n

Visitors can also follow Central BID\u2019s \u2018Celebrating Black Sabbath in the City\u2019 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 download the map here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The trail invites fans to discover the landmarks and stories behind Birmingham\u2019s most famous rock pioneers, including the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, the Ozzy mural, and Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, where visitors can see the iconic Ozzy throne alongside the Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition, celebrating the life, music and enduring legacy of one of Birmingham\u2019s greatest cultural icons.<\/p>\n

Whether laying flowers at the Black Sabbath Bench, enjoying live music in the city centre, sharing memories with fellow fans or discovering more about Ozzy\u2019s remarkable journey from Aston to international icon, Ozzy fans will unite for a day that celebrates a son of the city whose legacy continues to resonate around the world.<\/p>\n

Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture, Birmingham City Council, said: \u201cOzzy Osbourne is one of Birmingham\u2019s 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\u2019s influence on music and his pride in his hometown. <\/p>\n

\u201cBlack Sabbath\u2019s contribution to Birmingham was recognised 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Luisa Huggins, Media and Communications Manager at Westside BID, said: \u201cThe 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\u2019s Birmingham story. We\u2019re proud to be part of a day that celebrates Ozzy\u2019s extraordinary legacy and the city they always called home and hope fans come and spend some time here over the next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Events in Birmingham for Ozzy Day<\/p>\n

Photos with a specially dressed Ozzy the Bull <\/p>\n

Have free Polaroid photographs with Ozzy the Bull in his specially created Ozzy look from 11am-2pm and 3pm-6pm at New Street Station concourse.<\/p>\n

Pop-up performances around the city centre <\/p>\n

A special CBSO performance takes place outside Selfridges in Bullring at 12.15pm.<\/p>\n

See Bostin Brass at these times and locations across Birmingham city centre<\/p>\n

8.30am \u2013 Birmingham New Street<\/p>\n

10am \u2013 Outside Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery<\/p>\n

12.45pm \u2013 Black Sabbath Bench<\/p>\n

Merlin\u2019s Caf\u00e9 Bar<\/p>\n

From midday on Ozzy Day, Merlin\u2019s Cafe Bar in Martineau Place will be dedicated to all things Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath and continue through the weekend of July 24 . <\/p>\n

The volume will be on full to honour the music that shaped the world, from the heavy, doom-laden riffs of the early Aston days to Ozzy\u2019s wildest solo anthems, <\/p>\n

Merlin\u2019s bar and kitchen will be firing on all cylinders with burgers, loaded fries and wings alongside themed specials like the Headless Bat Cocktail and boozy AU Vodka milkshakes.<\/p>\n

Find Merlin\u2019s Caf\u00e9 Bar at 18-20 Martineau Place in Birmingham city centre. Free entry.<\/p>\n

See Ozzy\u2019s throne and Birmingham exhibitions <\/p>\n

Take in numerous Ozzy-related exhibitions around the city centre including:<\/p>\n

Ozzy Osbourne : Working Class Hero exhibition<\/a> including Ozzy\u2019s iconic throne at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, open from 10am to 5pm. It remains open until September.<\/p>\n

Back To The Beginning photo exhibition<\/a> in Grand Central, above New Street Station near Foyles book shop to mark a year since the final Black Sabbath gig. Catch it throughout the summer.<\/p>\n

Snap up limited edition Ozzy Day T-shirts<\/p>\n

A limited edition Ozzy Day T-shirt will be on sale at Selfridges<\/a> in Bullring until stocks last. <\/p>\n

Sure to become a collectors item this unique design, produced for Ozzy Day 2026, features all 52 Birmingham gigs that Ozzy played during his award-winning solo career and alongside Black Sabbath.<\/p>\n

Follow the Black Sabbath trail around the city centre<\/p>\n

Trail maps will be available at Birmingham Library and handed out at New Street Station. Here\u2019s what to follow on the trail:<\/p>\n

Black Sabbath Bench<\/p>\n

Celebrate Birmingham\u2019s legendary heavy metal pioneers, Black Sabbath, at this iconic bench honouring Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. Overlooking the Birmingham Main Line Canal beside Black Sabbath Bridge, it has become a must-visit destination for music fans from around the world.<\/p>\n

Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero\u00a0Exhibition including Ozzy\u2019s throne<\/p>\n

The exhibition celebrates the remarkable solo career of Birmingham\u2019s legendary rock icon through personal memorabilia, photographs and global awards. There\u2019s a memorial wall featuring tributes from fans, plus a rare opportunity to see Ozzy\u2019s iconic throne from the Back to the Beginning farewell concert.<\/p>\n

Black Sabbath Mural<\/p>\n

A 40-metre-long tribute on Navigation Street by local artist MrMurals features vibrant artwork of the original four band members. The mural was hand-signed by the band on 28 June 2025, the same day they received the Freedom of the City of Birmingham, making it a unique landmark and a popular destination for fans.<\/p>\n

Black Sabbath Vol.4 Mural<\/p>\n

Situated in the Mailbox Underpass, the huge artwork by MrMurals, is one of the all-time favourite Sabbath album covers, standing alongside other world-famous Birmingham bands, transforming the space into a celebration of the city\u2019s musical heritage.<\/p>\n

Ozzy the Bull<\/p>\n

Towering over the concourse at Birmingham New Street Station, is the iconic mechanical bull created for the spectacular opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. In June 2023, it was officially named \u2018Ozzy\u2019 following a unanimous public vote.<\/p>\n

Back to the Beginning Exhibition<\/p>\n

The 60-metre-long\u00a0 photographic exhibition at Grand Central celebrates the legendary\u00a0Back to the Beginning\u00a0concert. Featuring over 80 photographs of the bands and artists who performed at the legendary gig, with powerful images of Ozzy Osbourne\u2019s final solo performance and Black Sabbath\u2019s last ever show, it offers a visual record to an unforgettable moment in rock history.<\/p>\n

The Crown<\/p>\n

Located on Station Street, the venue is widely recognised as the birthplace of heavy metal. It was here that Black Sabbath played some of their earliest gigs and forged the sound that would change rock music forever. Whilst currently closed, early images of Black Sabbath\u2019s founding members adorn the windows of this historic listed building, which remains an important landmark and place of pilgrimage for music fans.<\/p>\n

Black Sabbath Albums Exhibition<\/p>\n

Showcasing the band\u2019s iconic album artwork and celebrating their extraordinary recording legacy, set alongside Birmingham gothic and metal-themed bar, Merlin\u2019s Caf\u00e9 Bar, which features an Ozzy tribute inside.<\/p>\n

Aston Villa store I Exclusive Merch<\/p>\n

The Bullring based store offers fans the chance to purchase a limited selection of collectible merchandise created to celebrate the historic\u00a0Back to the Beginning\u00a0concert in 2025.<\/p>\n

Selfridges I Exclusive Merch<\/p>\n

The city\u2019s landmark department store at Bullring is the destination for exclusive Ozzy Osbourne merchandise. From 22 July, visitors can purchase the limited-edition Ozzy Day T-shirt and Ozzy\u2019s signature fragrance, Czech & Speake No.88. Fans can also see a life-size toy brick Ozzy Osbourne and a unique Black Sabbath-inspired artwork.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birmingham will come together to honour one of its greatest music and cultural icons as the city celebrates…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":696186,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[2426,44367,5343,96,10730,111281,128,2776,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-696185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-music","tag-birmingham","tag-birmingham-city-centre","tag-culture","tag-entertainment","tag-events","tag-live-entertainment","tag-music","tag-ozzy-osbourne","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/696185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=696185"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/696185\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/696186"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=696185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=696185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=696185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}