Okay, we’ll admit it, we’ve been obsessed with Ozzy the Bull since he roared across the stage at the Commonwealth Games’ Opening Ceremony. It’s not really a secret but, like much of Birmingham, we can’t stop thinking about him. (Or any bulls for that matter.) So we’ve been quite vocally excited about Ozzy’s permanent arrival at New Street Station.
While people from all over Birmingham and beyond flocked down to see him in person during the games. Due to Ozzy the Bull’s gigantic size, hundreds of images circulated of him on social media and the whole city fell in love. Yet despite his newfound fame, many feared the 33ft beast would eventually end up as scrap metal. Something of that size, it was said by its creators, was difficult to store.
That’s when New Street Station stepped in. Providing him with a permanent home for all Brummies to gaze upon his magnitude. Today (July 26), the 33ft mechanical bull arrived under the station’s atrium following a makeover over winter. He was unveiled by none other than Sharon Osbourne too – the wife of his Brummie namesake! (He was named after the Black Sabbath frontman after a public vote last month.)
“It’s like breath-taking, this is mammoth, huge, but it’s just brilliant isn’t it,” said Sharon Osbourne. “For Ozzy to be born and bred here and having spent so much time in this station, because of course he didn’t have a car, so he was everywhere from New Street. He would never, ever, ever have thought that at this time in his life, this would happen.”
Mayor Andy Street and boxer Delicious Orie were also at the bull’s unveiling. While commuters were treated to Ozzy’s first performance, which involved him moving his head around, as well as face painting, a brass band and dancing to celebrate the unveiling. We’ve not been down to see Ozzy the Bull ourselves yet, but we can’t wait to come face-to-face with the beast next time we’re catching the train!