Birmingham to mark Ozzy Osbourne anniversary with Ozzy Day
Birmingham’s business and cultural sectors are coordinating a city-wide day of tributes to Ozzy Osbourne, leveraging the late musician's global legacy to drive public engagement exactly one year after his death.
Birmingham will hold its first "Ozzy Day" next Wednesday to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Ozzy Osbourne’s death. The free event will feature a city-centre programme of live music, public art and tributes spanning key commercial and cultural landmarks, nodding to his life and Birmingham roots.
The initiative is a joint effort between Central BID Birmingham, the outdoor arts organisation OPUS, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham New Street and Westside BID. Sam Watson, Chair of Central BID Birmingham, said the event demonstrates how the city can mobilise its business and cultural infrastructure. “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,” Watson said.
Activities are designed to draw visitors through major retail and transport hubs, including the Bullring, Selfridges, Martineau Place and Birmingham New Street Station. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will perform a lunchtime show at the Bullring, while the brass band Bostin Brass will host pop-up street performances. The Birmingham Music Archive will also be at the train station to collect fan reflections for a commemorative guestbook.
The commemoration extends into retail merchandise and local brewing. OPUS has commissioned a series of short films documenting the tribute, while a limited-edition T-shirt featuring a graphic from Osbourne’s 'Back To The Beginning' farewell concert has been produced. The garment lists all 52 Birmingham gigs he played, and Hobsons Brewery has launched a 'Patient Number 9' Golden Ale for the occasion.
Osbourne died last summer at the age of 76 from a heart attack, with his death certificate also citing coronary heart disease and Parkinson’s. His death came just 17 days after his final performance at Birmingham’s Villa Park. The city has since posthumously honoured him with the Lord Mayor’s Award, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BRITs 2026, and fans previously petitioned to rename Birmingham Airport in his memory.
