Birmingham officially announces inaugural ‘Ozzy Day’

Ozzy Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham will officially honour the late legend with its first-ever Ozzy Day, taking over the city on July 22, exactly one year after his death.

The announcement landed alongside news of Hobsons Brewery's new Patient Number 9 ale, with Ozzy's official social media teasing the celebration before Birmingham City Council confirmed the full plans.

On Ozzy Day, fans can expect live music, tribute performances, public art, film screenings and special events spread across Birmingham's city centre. 

Some of the locations include the famous Black Sabbath bench and bridge, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham New Street Station, and several other landmarks closely tied to Ozzy's life and career. Many of those spots were also featured during last year's Back to the Beginning homecoming celebrations.

Among the performers are brass favourites Bostin Brass, who played during Ozzy's funeral procession in Birmingham last year, alongside the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

There'll also be an exclusive limited-edition Ozzy Day T-shirt up for grabs. The front features a photo from Ozzy's final performance at Back to the Beginning, while the back lists all 52 shows he played in Birmingham across his career, both with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist.

"Ozzy Day is a fantastic example of Birmingham working together to celebrate the legendary Ozzy Osbourne," Birmingham Central BID chairman Sam Watson said. 

"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."

It’s hard to believe it’s nearly been a year. Rest in Peace, Ozzy.