Ozzy Osbourne to return home to Birmingham for poignant funeral this week
Fans will be able to pay a final tribute to the metal legend Ozzy Osbourne when his funeral cortege travels through his home city.
The Prince of Darkness' is set to return to his home town of Birmingham for a special funeral procession on Wednesday, July 30.
The Black Sabbath frontman and Birmingham icon died at the age of 76 on July 22, only weeks after performing at Sabbath's reunion show, Back to the Beginning, at Birmingham's Villa Park.
The charity concert raised a total of £190 million for various charity groups, including the Birmingham Children's Hospital, Acorns Children's Hospice and the Cure Parkinson's group.
Now, fans will be able to see Ozzy for the last time as his body is returned to his home city of Birmingham in an especially poignant ceremony.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, JP, said: "On behalf of Birmingham City Council and all the people of our great city, we come together with deep sadness to remember his life and legacy.
“Only last month Ozzy was here at the Council House to accept Freedom of the City of Birmingham, and just before his sell-out concert at Villa Park, where he was performing his final show. He carried the spirit of our community wherever he went.
"We extend our heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and friends and everyone who loved him. Thank you, Ozzy, you will always be honoured as a true legend of Birmingham."
Funeral procession
Ozzy's hearse will travel along the city centre from 1pm on Wednesday afternoon, with a hearse slowly driving along the Black Sabbath Bridge, where the band's bench was erected.
Broad Street will be closed to traffic from 7am, with buses and trams being diverted during the time of the procession.
Visitors were encouraged by Birmingham City Council to arrive early using public transport, where stewards will be on hand to offer support.
The procession is expected at 1pm, with the roads reopening following the event.
The Bostin Brass band will also play a range of music to accompany the procession prior to his private family funeral.
Security and associated costs of the processions are being covered by the Osbourne family.
It is said that those not able to make the event in person can view the live stream of the Black Sabbath bench, which will continue to operate.
