Birmingham has been packed with heavy metal fans, music lovers, and festival-goers so far this weekend as Black Sabbath returned to their roots for the final time.
The legendary band’s “Back to the Beginning” concert at Villa Park has witnessed thousands flood the city, with fans travelling from across the globe to celebrate the pioneers of heavy metal.
Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward were tonight taking to the stage for what has been billed as Black Sabbath’s last ever show, marking the end of an era for the Birmingham icons.
Crowds gathered early, queuing outside Villa Park and getting in line for a photo on Sabbath Bench - we also caught up with fans rushing to get Ozzy-themed tattoos before the show.
It wasn’t just heavy metal making noise—Birmingham’s Colmore Food festival and ELO’s gig at Utilita Arena also pulled in huge crowds, making the city centre a bustling hive of activity.
Not to forget the cricket over at Edgbaston Stadium - it was said Birmingham’s ‘Super Weekend’ was set to bring in £20m for the economy.
Stalls, street food, and live performances filled the streets as fans mingled, queued, and soaked up the electric atmosphere.
From packed trams to overflowing pubs and music venues, Birmingham was buzzing all weekend long.
Our photo gallery captures the energy, the excitement, and the sheer scale of the turnout - from heavy metal fans headbanging in Villa Park to families enjoying the food festival and crowds lining up to pay homage at the Sabbath Bench.
** We’ll be adding more crowd and concert photos throughout the weekend as Birmingham continues to rock.
1. Black Sabbath fans take over Birmingham on Super weekend
Rockers hit the city ahead of Villa Park show | Jack Rogers
2. "Back to The Beginning"
Fans watch support acts, during British rock band Black Sabbath's "Back to The Beginning" concert, Ozzy Osbourne's final ever gig as Black Sabbath's frontman at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on July 5 | AFP via Getty Images
3. "Back to The Beginning" concert,
An Ozzy Osbourne-themed tattoo on the hand of music fan Raphael Lima as he arrives to attend British rock band Black Sabbath's "Back to The Beginning" concert, | AFP via Getty Images
4. Black Sabbath's "Back to The Beginning" concert
The Villa Park crowd plays with a huge beach ball as they watch support acts, during British rock band Black Sabbath's "Back to The Beginning" concert, Ozzy Osbourne's final ever gig as Black Sabbath's frontman at Villa Park in Birmingham | AFP via Getty Images