Has it really been a year????
On July 22, the city of Birmingham, England will be honouring its most famous resident with “Ozzy Day”.
“On 22 July, Birmingham will come together to honour one of its greatest cultural icons as the city celebrates the first Ozzy Day. This will see 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.”
The announcement continues, “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.”
It added, “Taking place across Birmingham city centre, visitors will be invited 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.”
Bostin Brass will be performing the music of Ozzy Osbourne and his band Black Sabbath.
And the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will be performing a special lunchtime concert at the Bullring.
Ozzy the Bull will be decked out in special attire and ready for photos at Birmingham New Street.
The Birmingham Music Archive will also be on hand to hear fans stories, memories and reflections about Ozzy and his impact on them, the music, and the world.
OPUS will also be on hand to add some film documentaries of Ozzy and his impact.
And to commemorate the day, Birmingham is offering a limited-edition t-shirt with a graphic of Ozzy from his final performance – Back to the Beginning with all 52 Ozzy and Black Sabbath Birmingham performances listed.
A list of events during the day:
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
Free Polaroid photographs with Ozzy the Bull in his specially created Ozzy look from 11am-2pm, 3pm-6pm
Opportunities to visit Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition including Ozzy’s iconic throne and explore the city’s ‘Celebrating Black Sabbath in the City’ trail
A series of specially commissioned digital films celebrating Birmingham’s tribute throughout the day.
Limited edition t-shirts can be purchased 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-born icon.”
Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture, Birmingham City Council, said: “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 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.”
Luisa 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 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.
Visitors can also follow Central BID’s ‘Celebrating Black Sabbath in the City’ map, available to collect from locations across the city including Birmingham New Street. The trail invites fans to discover the landmarks and stories behind Birmingham’s 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’s greatest cultural icons.
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’s 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.’
