Birmingham based production and events company Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS), Birmingham City Council and Central BID have been jointly awarded the prestigious “Best Events Team” title at the 2025 National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Awards.
They were recognised specifically for their extraordinary partnership in delivering the late Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral procession. It was a moment that united the city, captured worldwide attention and honoured one of Birmingham’s most iconic figures.
Delivered at exceptionally short notice on the request of the Osbourne family, the cortège brought together thousands of fans, global media and the city’s cultural partners in a moving tribute that saw the very best of Birmingham’s spirit: compassionate, welcoming and proud.
The collaboration between all partners across city operations, transport partners, businesses and community support was central to the event’s successful and sensitive execution. It was celebrated by NOEA judges as an outstanding example of teamwork under challenging circumstances.
Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader at Birmingham City Council said: “We wanted to do everything possible to honour Ozzy in a way that was compassionate, respectful, and true to the wishes of his family.
“This was not about recognition or awards, it was about doing the right thing, the Brummie thing, for one of our city’s greatest sons. The cortege was a heartfelt tribute, and the only reason it felt so special was because Ozzy is so very special to Birmingham and will always be remembered with love and pride.
“We are grateful for the acknowledgement, but above all, we are so very proud to have supported his family and fans in saying goodbye with dignity and love.”
Caroline Davis, Event Director and Managing Director of OPUS, reflected on the emotional and operational significance of the day: “Working on Ozzy’s funeral procession was one of those rare moments where the city truly came together and only by doing that could this special moment happen.
“It was an honour to help create a space where Birmingham could both grieve and celebrate, standing shoulder to shoulder. The way teams and suppliers across the city rallied – with care, urgency and commitment – is exactly why this award means so much.
“Thank you to all of the partners that pulled out all the stops to make the moment happen safely.”
The procession not only honoured a beloved cultural figure but also demonstrated Birmingham’s ability to deliver complex, high-profile public events with sensitivity, precision and humanity.
Steve Hewlett, Manager at Central BID said: “It was a privilege for the BID to help organise the cortege when tens of thousands of fans lined the streets of Birmingham to say their final goodbye to Ozzy.
“Their outpouring of love and support for the Osbourne family was truly special. OPUS pulled together a safe event in record time and every phone call we made for help from partners including Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police, Aston Villa, Midland Metro and Ocean Outdoor was met with a resounding yes, let’s do this for Ozzy!”
OPUS have also just completed the delivery of the Birmingham Host City Launch on behalf of Birmingham City Council, as part of the wider UEFA EURO28 Tournament Launch.
UEFA EURO 2028 will be another globally significant moment which will shine the spotlight on Birmingham. This latest event announcement continues to add to Birmingham’s portfolio of mega sporting moments taking place over the next three years.