'We were there from the beginning': Fans queue up as Ozzy the Bull wears a custom Peaky Blinders flat cap

“We want to create an experience for people, and we want to bring as many people as possible into the Peaky Blinders world. It’s a global phenomenon in itself and just as a result of that drives increase in tourism and economic spend.” Martin Simms, head of film and TV support agency Production Central WM shared as Peaky Blinders fans line up to take photo with Ozzy the Bull. 

On Friday lunchtime (February, 27) many flocked to Birmingham’s New Street Station and queued up to get a free portrait with Ozzy the Bull who wore a specially commissioned Peaky Blinders flat cap. 

The immersive installation featured period-inspired scenic elements reflecting early 20th-century Birmingham – including vintage-style props, atmospheric set dressing and a red-carpet roll out in front of Ozzy, creating a considered and cinematic experience for the public. 

In partnership with Visit Birmingham and the West Midlands and Network Rail, the station concourse will transform into a tribute to the iconic Birmingham-born story, giving residents and visitors the chance to celebrate the storytelling of the region. 

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man will be released in select cinemas on March 6, 2026, followed by its global premiere on Netflix on March 20, 2026

The iconic TV show has in no uncertain terms put Birmingham on the map, and lots of fans and even a real-life actor on the phenomenon were keen to tell us about their Peaky Blinders connection.

For actor David Perks, who happened to be passing through the station, revealed that he had actually played a Peaky Blinders character, appearing in Series one, episode 5 in a minor role. 

“I think it’s brilliant that Ozzy is back and they’ve done him up again. I do come through Grand Central quite a lot. I always feel like stopping and taking a look and I feel as though I’ve got a bond between Ozzy and me. I think for people who are coming in from outside Birmingham. Every time I come there’s always people standing and taking selfies with the statue. 

Steve Turner, 69 from Winson Green said:  “I like the costumes and I’ve seen some of the series. They used to film at the Black Country Museum and I’ve seen them there.”

Peaky Blinders has major international appeal, Yan Li, 24 lives in Cambridge but is originally from China praised Ozzy the Bull’s new look, she said  “It’s very handsome, they made it very creative.” 

As the man behind the Peaky Blinders Facebook group, Derek couldn’t miss the chance to see Ozzy suited and booted in full Shelby style.

Derek said he owns about 20 long overcoats, 30 suits and 10 pocket watches. “I got a collection and I just love looking at it.”

Watch video to hear more from Derek Brennan about what the Peaky Blinders mean to him

“I started off dressing as an old fashioned Irishman, they’ve got me mixed up as a Peaky Blinder, so I thought all these guys are dressing like me so I started enjoying it. 

When asked the show has such appeal, Derek felt you need not look any further than the fashion. 

“I think it’s the clothes, you wear the cap different... wear all different coloured hats. I came from work, so I would’ve worn a waistcoat and suit and a pocket watch. It’s all the fashion, the style they all love it. Mainly, the walk, they feel like they’re in character when you put the clothes on 

Derek helps run Facebook group called The West Midlands Peaky Blinder Group which has over 50,000 followers. 

Similarly, two die-hard Peaky Blinders superfans, Vikki Downes from Birmingham and Ehren Lawrence, shared their excitement as the city’s iconic bull transforms into a Peaky Blinder. 

“Very impressed!” Ehren said when asked what he thought of Ozzy the Bull’s new outfit. 

Meanwhile, Vikki said, “I’ve not missed an episode, that’s got to count for something. We were there from the beginning, we were there before even Peaky Blinders was even thought of. We knew about Small Heath way before.” 

Ozzy, named in honour of late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, was installed at the station in 2023, a year after the moving sculpture formed the much-loved centrepiece of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.