Gifts and floral tributes laid by fans in honour of Ozzy Osbourne are to be preserved and archived for his family.
The Central Business Improvement District (BID) in Birmingham has said in a new statement that they are starting a process of “sorting through them [the tributes] at a secret location, large enough to accommodate the thousands of poignant messages, flowers and gifts.”
The organisation added: “They are ensuring they are preserved in the best possible condition, ready to be sent to the Osbourne family.” Subsequently, a digital record will also be collated to archive the displays of flowers, guitars, candles, and “lots and lots of toy bats.”
For fans who laid flowers at memorial spots, including the Black Sabbath bridge, “The bouquets are set to be close to Ozzy going forward, as they are being mulched and bagged. This confetti compost will be used at Ozzy’s final resting place,” the Birmingham BID also said on its website.
Following Osbourne’s passing from a heart attack at the age of 76, his funeral procession, which took place on July 30th, saw thousands line the streets in the Prince of Darkness’ native Birmingham, bringing the city to a standstill as the Osbourne family stopped the funeral procession to view the many tributes left in his honour.
Many other tributes have been planned in memory of Osbourne in the wake of his death, including a BBC fly-on-the-wall documentary depicting his final years titled Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, which is set to air on August 18th.
In addition, the Birmingham Art Gallery and Museum has extended the opening of its exhibition on the life of the Black Sabbath frontman, due to overwhelming public demand since it began in June.
