It's here, safe in its new home after 15,000 signed the petition to save it from the scrap heap. Ozzy - the Birmingham Bull - has been unveiled at New Street Station, and I'm here today to take a first look at the iconic sculpture which attracted so much attention during the Commonwealth Games.
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00:00 So today we have unveiled Ozzy the Bull, it's been named by the public,
00:04 there's been great atmosphere from Ozzy Osbourne as well.
00:08 We just unveiled him today and we want to encourage people to come down and see him here in the station,
00:11 which is in the heart of the city, and the heart of our rail network,
00:14 and we want to make sure we get everyone in to come and see him as best we can.
00:16 And then come in, enjoy seeing him and then go out and see the Birmingham city's empty as well.
00:20 Birmingham New Street station is abuzz today as Ozzy the Bull springs into light for his first full public viewing.
00:28 After undergoing a near complete reconstruction over the last six months,
00:33 Ozzy is displaying his captivating mechanical moves that include his glowing eyes, swishing tail and moving head.
00:40 Over the initial 10 days, the sequence lasting several minutes will be repeated hourly between 10am and 8pm,
00:48 ensuring everyone gets their opportunity for a marvel at Ozzy's moves.
00:53 Ozzy is not the only draw today, women chain makers who shared the spotlight during last year's opening ceremony are here too.
01:01 And adding to the spirit, a roaming brass band is also welcoming Ozzy to his new home.
01:06 Over 15,000 people signed the petition to save Ozzy from the scrap heap and find him a new home,
01:12 showing just how much Brummies identified with this symbol of the city.
01:16 The reception today has been brilliant from the public,
01:19 we've been really enjoying having him on the hill, seeing the roars going on behind us,
01:24 enjoying the free cupcakes and the brass band that's been around.
01:27 It's been really good to have people in and enjoying themselves and bringing a bit of life to the station as well,
01:31 that's what we want, people coming in and enjoying themselves.
01:34 And he captured the heart of the nation, you know, we just did not believe the impact
01:39 that Ozzy the Bull would have had on the whole of the nation and the international community as well.
01:45 I mean when we were part of the games, when the games finished,
01:48 people were thanking us for being such a welcoming city and what a fantastic opportunity and
01:53 experience they'd had as part of our symphony.
01:55 And people have brought Ozzy into their hearts, they've brought him in their hearts,
01:59 because he'd be such a symbol of freedom, of liberation,
02:04 a real part of the feminine, you know, what train members?
02:10 Yeah, yeah, the train men in Flintshire.
02:13 Because Birmingham was the home of where James were made and so the story of that came to like root Ozzy.
02:20 So he kind of pulled, it's a lot of history of Birmingham, the black boy and the black country.
02:25 And you know, he fought for all that.
02:27 He fought for women's rights.
02:28 Yeah, and for everybody's rights to minimum wage.
02:31 Yeah, minimum wage, yeah, because women were paid such a low amount compared to men.
02:36 This notable debut lines up just in time to celebrate the first anniversary of the Birmingham
02:41 2022 Commonwealth Games and the impending start of the Birmingham Festival this year,
02:47 which commences on Friday.
02:48 Undoubtedly, the unveiling of Ozzy not only elevates the charm of New Street Station,
02:54 but also reignites the spirit of unity and perseverance
02:58 that defines Birmingham in the legacy of the Commonwealth Games.