Birmingham City Council has announced the first-ever “Ozzy Day” to honor one of its greatest cultural icons, Ozzy Osbourne. The event will feature a free program of live music, public art, special performances, and shared moments celebrating the life, legacy, and Birmingham roots of the Prince of Darkness.
The Birmingham City Council issued a press release outlining what residents and visitors can expect from the landmark celebration.
“Ozzy Day will feature 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,” the press release read.
Councillor Deborah Harries, cabinet member for culture at Birmingham City Council, spoke to the significance of the occasion and Osbourne’s enduring connection to the city.
“Ozzy Osbourne is one of Birmingham’s foremost cultural figures, and we continue to honor his legacy here in the city, where his journey began,” Harries said. “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 recognized when they were awarded Freedom Of The City on 30 June 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.”
Sam Watson, chair of Central BID, also highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the event.
“‘Ozzy Day’ is a fantastic example of Birmingham working together to celebrate the legendary Ozzy Osbourne,” Watson said. “By bringing together businesses, cultural organizations and public spaces, we’re creating a city center-wide experience that encourages people to celebrate the legacy of a truly global, Birmingham-born icon.”
Ozzy Day will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 — exactly one year after Osbourne passed away at the age of 76 from cardiac arrest and an acute myocardial infarction. The date gives the celebration a deeply personal weight, transforming what could have been a day of mourning into a city-wide tribute to a life that shaped rock music for generations.
The event’s programming reflects the breadth of Osbourne’s influence on Birmingham’s cultural identity. Pop-up performances by Bostin Brass, a brass band known for its renditions of Osbourne and Black Sabbath songs, will take place across the city center. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is also set to perform at the Bullring as part of the day’s festivities.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore landmarks tied directly to Osbourne’s life and career. The Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge remain prominent fixtures in the city. The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is currently hosting the “Working Class Hero” exhibition, which features the Gothic-style concert throne Osbourne occupied during his final live performance at Black Sabbath’s farewell show at Villa Park.
The tributes to Osbourne have not been limited to Birmingham. Earlier this year, he was honored with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester, where an all-star tribute performance was staged in his memory. The recognition underscored the global scale of his legacy, even as his hometown prepares to celebrate him in the most personal way it knows how.
Ozzy Day is organized by Central BID Birmingham in partnership with OPUS, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham New Street, and Westside BID. The coalition reflects how deeply the city has rallied around the memory of one of its most celebrated sons.
