Day of music, memories and tributes across Birmingham in memory of Prince of Darkness

The life and career of one of the great cultural icons of Birmingham will be celebrated with a day of celebrations.

Birmingham will come together on July 22 to celebrate the first Ozzy Day, 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, Ozzy Osbourne.

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, who died aged 76 on July 22, 2025.

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.

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.

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.

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

Alongside the live programme, OPUS has commissioned a series of short films documenting Birmingham's 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's remarkable legacy and his lifelong connection to Birmingham.

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.

A limited number of 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 June 30, 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.