Ozzy Osbourne fans travelled from across the world to celebrate the heavy metal icon’s life in his home city of Birmingham on the first ever Ozzy Day. Here’s how the day unfolded and the verdict from Black Sabbath fans.

From early morning, fans donning Black Sabbath concert T-shirts and leather jackets started milling around New Street Station for the start of a day remembering the music icon. They had travelled from far and wide, America to Germany, to reach Birmingham in time for Ozzy Day.

A year after his death, the Aston-born singer was in the hearts of many. The first Ozzy Day in central Birmingham gave them a focal point for memories and a chance to come together with like-minded fans for music, special events and stories of concerts and recollections over a pint.

There was even a new Ozzy’s Beer Patent No.9 by Hobson’s Brewery selling in Brum pubs.

Greeting them was a huge 30ft inflatable Ozzy Osbourne, shown above, made for the promotional tour of his Grammy award-winning Patient No.9 album in 2023. Last seen at Villa Park in 2025 at the Back to the Beginning concert, this larger than life Ozzy was back and towering over Victoria Square throughout Ozzy Day. It returns on Saturday(July 25) for those unable to make it mid-week.

On the eve of the celebration, Sharon Osbourne arrived in Birmingham to spend the anniversary in a city that her beloved husband treasured so much. Her appearance at rockers’ favourite, Merlin’s Cafe Bar in Martineau Place, gave many fans the once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear personal stories about Ozzy, face to face with the woman who was by his side for most of his career.

Ozzy Day – delivered by Central BID and OPUS (Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces) in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Birmingham New Street and Westside BID – kicked off early at New Street Station with lively renditions of famous Ozzy and Black Sabbath hits by Bostin’ Brass from 8.30am. They would continue performing at spots around the city through the day, from the Black Sabbath bench to Selfridges.

It was especially poignant as Bostin’ Brass was the Birmingham band selected to accompany Ozzy’s hearse during a funeral procession through Birmingham city centre last year.

Musicians were back but in a far less sombre atmosphere for Ozzy Day with an emphasis on celebrating Ozzy’s life and genius.

Commuters, fans and shop workers gathered to watch as Bostin’ Brass blasted out hits in the shadow of Ozzy The Bull, suitably dressed like Ozzy in round glasses.

Queues would quickly form as fans of all ages clamoured to get a polaroid photo taken with Ozzy The Bull in his celebration gear before heading off to iconic spots like the Black Sabbath mural and bench.

Fan Nas Shaukat, from Oldbury, was among the first to turn up, saying: “I booked the day off work to come into Birmingham for Ozzy Day and remember Ozzy. It’s amazing.

“Ozzy should be celebrated as if it wasn’t for him and Black Sabbath, heavy metal music wouldn’t exist. He brought the sound of heavy metal to Birmingham. He was amazing. I didn’t want to miss this.”

Nas’ view was echoed by fellow fans, all ecstatic and sentimental at the same time, pondering over the loss of such a great talent.

A striking image of Ozzy with microphone in hand from his final concert was never far away. Rotating on electronic billboards around the city centre and in Bullring with the words ‘Remembering Ozzy Osbourne. 1948 – 2025’.

Even the acclaimed City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra(CBSO) joined in, performing at lunchtime in Bullring outside Selfridges and the Aston Villa FC shop – a nod to Ozzy’s beloved football team.

The professional musicians created an atmospheric highlight of Ozzy Day, changing the tempo of his heavy metal anthems and proving how timeless they are. Still as beautiful and haunting when performed with strings and a harp.

Reworked versions of tracks from Paranoid to Mama I’m Coming Home and See You On The Other Side brought a lump to the throat.

Impromptu murmurs from fans gently singing along gave the free performance more emotion than expected with deafening cheers at the end of each piece.

Fan John Brennan from Birmingham was among those listening. “This is really something special,” said John, wearing a T-shirt from Black Sabbath’s 1997 gig at Birmingham NEC. “I first saw Black Sabbath over 40 years ago and then many times in concert.

“Ozzy will always be part of Birmingham so Ozzy Day is a great idea. It’s good to help keep rock music alive too.

“It was such a shame when he died but at least Ozzy went out on a high after his final concert. After enjoying this orchestra performance, I’ll be heading to Broad Street to see the bench and then have a drink to toast him somewhere.”

Attractions around the city honouring Ozzy filled up – from the Black Sabbath Mural in Navigation Street to the Black Sabbath Bench in Broad Street.

There was no shortage of ways for fans to pay their respects with free exhibitions in Grand Central at the new Back To The Beginning Exhibition of photos from the final concert a year ago; Ozzy’s throne from that special day now part of the Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition in Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and a free outdoor exhibition of Black Sabbath album covers at Martineau Place.

While at Mailbox underpass, there are new murals of a Black Sabbath album cover next to others from Birmingham’s illustrious music heritage from UB40 to ELO and Duran Duran.

Angela Ekelof, from Portland, and friend Wendy Blom, from San Diego, flew in from America to experience the first Ozzy Day.

Angela said: “I just felt that I needed to be in Birmingham for Ozzy Day and brought a friend who has never been here to see all the Black Sabbath attractions. I said to her ‘I’ve got to be in Birmingham’ so we just booked a flight and came.

“We can 100% feel Ozzy when we are here in Birmingham. There is so much to do and see here and it’s great to be among so many other Ozzy fans.

“I especially love the tribute wall in the museum, and I’ll be going back now that Ozzy’s throne is in there too. The Black Sabbath Bench feels very special and we’re going to see the Black Sabbath mural too.”