Birmingham's indomitable spirit: how the bull became the city's soul.

In the beating heart of Birmingham, at the busy New Street train station, an imposing metallic figure greets commuters and residents alike. It's Ozzy, the mechanical bull that captivated the world during the 2022 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. After a critically acclaimed grassroots campaign to save it from decommissioning, this colossus of steel and steam has found a permanent home, cementing itself as a new icon for the city. Its name, chosen by the public in honor of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, another prodigal son of Birmingham, adds another layer of local identity to this modern symbol. Ozzy thus joins a peculiar tradition, becoming the city's most celebrated bovine, although he is certainly not the only bull that Birmingham has embraced as its own.

But how and why did an industrial city in the heart of England adopt the bull, an animal more associated with rural landscapes or Spanish culture, as one of its most beloved emblems? Unlike other British cities whose symbols are clearly defined and rooted in their official heraldry—think of Manchester's worker bee, incorporated into its coat of arms in the 19th century to represent the industriousness of its inhabitants during the Industrial Revolution, or Liverpool's mythical Liverbird—Birmingham's bull lacks a formal decree or an origin sanctioned by the authorities. Its rise has been a much more organic phenomenon, a symbol that has gradually emerged from the cultural and historical fabric of the city, capturing the collective imagination and connecting deeply with the Brummie spirit.

A symbol forged in history and popular culture.

The absence of an official designation has not diminished the bull's potency as a representative of Birmingham. In fact, its unofficial nature could be part of its charm, perhaps reflecting the pragmatic and often underestimated character of the city itself. It has been suggested that alliteration—the coincidence of the initial letter between "Birmingham" and "Bull"—has played a role in its adoption, facilitating its use as a catchy badge. This phonetic connection has been exploited by various local sports teams, such as the Birmingham Bulls, an American football team founded in the 1980s, and more recently, an inclusive rugby club that also proudly bears the name. These teams, by adopting the bull, are not only seeking an emblem of strength and tenacity, but are also connecting with an existing local identity.

However, the deepest and most significant root of this association lies undeniably in the city's geographical and commercial heart: the famous Bull Ring. This name, now synonymous with a modern and vibrant shopping center, has a history that goes back centuries, a history tinged with a brutal practice but intrinsically linked to the place.

The dark roots of the Bull Ring.

The area now occupied by the gleaming Bullring shopping center, and its surroundings, adjacent to the historic church of St. Martin in the Bull Ring, has been known, at least informally, as the "Bull Ring" since the 16th century. Historical records and local tradition suggest that bull-baiting was practiced in this area, then a crucial market and meeting place for Birmingham's growing population.

This cruel form of entertainment, popular in England from the Middle Ages until its prohibition in the 19th century, involved tying a bull to a post or ring firmly anchored in the ground. Once immobilized, dogs, often breeds specifically bred for fighting, such as bulldogs, were set upon the bull to attack it. The spectacle was bloody and violent, attracting crowds who bet on the outcome of the fight, the bull's stamina, or the dogs' ferocity. There was also a popular, though unfounded, belief that the "baiting" process tenderized the bull's flesh, making it more tender for later consumption.

Although it may seem like a barbaric and reprehensible practice today, bullbaiting was a common form of public entertainment at the time. The "ring" where the bull was tied became a focal point, and the name "Bull Ring" became permanently attached to the area. Even after the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 officially outlawed bullbaiting and other similar practices, the name persisted, ingrained in the collective memory and urban topography. The market held there remained a vital center for the city, and the name "Bull Ring" continued to designate this commercial and social hub.

The evolution of the Bull Ring: from market to modern icon.

Over the centuries, the Bull Ring evolved from an open-air market to housing more permanent buildings. In the 1960s, in the midst of Britain's post-war reconstruction and modernization, the first indoor shopping center, the Bull Ring, was erected. This complex, with its characteristic Brutalist architecture, represented a radical change in the urban landscape. Although modern at the time, over time it was perceived by many as old-fashioned, labyrinthine, and aesthetically unappealing, becoming a cited example of the failures of mid-20th-century urban planning.

At the end of the 20th century, there was a desire to revitalize Birmingham's commercial heart once again. This led to the demolition of the 1960s center and the ambitious reconstruction project that culminated in 2003 with the opening of the current shopping center. This new development, with its bold, contemporary architecture—notably the iconic Selfridges building covered in aluminum discs—officially adopted the name, stylized as "Bullring" (a single word), paying homage to the site's long history while projecting it into the future. And it was precisely with the arrival of this new Bullring that Birmingham gained another iconic bull.

The Guardian: the friendly bull of the Bullring.

As the centerpiece of the main entrance to the new Bullring shopping center, opposite St. Martin's Church, a sculpture was installed that would quickly become one of Birmingham's most beloved and photographed symbols. It is an imposing bronze statue of a bull, created by sculptor Laurence Broderick. Officially titled "The Guardian," this six-ton work of art captures the animal's strength and solidity, but with a pose that suggests calm and vigilance rather than aggression.

Since its installation in 2003, The Warden has earned a special place in the hearts of Brummies (the affectionate nickname for Birmingham residents) and visitors alike. Its strategic location makes it a natural and popular meeting point. It's almost a rite of passage for any tourist to take a photo next to it, often stroking its polished snout or attempting to climb onto its back (although the latter is not allowed).

The Guardian's popularity goes beyond being a simple sculpture. The Bullring shopping center has successfully integrated him into the city's festive life. The bull is regularly "dressed" in themed outfits to celebrate special occasions: he's been seen wearing a leprechaun hat for St. Patrick's Day, adorned in rainbow colors during Birmingham Pride, wrapped in tinsel and Santa hats at Christmas, and even wearing the shirt of the local football team, Aston Villa, during sporting celebrations. These playful transformations humanize him, turning him into a lovable and relatable character, a true guardian of the city's festive and community spirit. His constant and accessible presence has cemented him as an undisputed visual landmark in Birmingham.

The Commonwealth Bulls: Perry and the mighty Ozzy.

The year 2022 marked a milestone for Birmingham as it hosted the Commonwealth Games, a major international sporting event. This occasion provided a new platform to celebrate and reinterpret the symbol of the bull.

First, we met Perry , the official mascot of the Games. Perry was a friendly, multi-colored, anthropomorphic bull covered in hexagons that represented the diversity and unity of the different communities in Birmingham and the Commonwealth. His name paid homage to Perry Barr, the Birmingham neighborhood where the renovated Alexander Stadium, the main venue for the Games, was built. Perry became an ever-present and beloved figure during the event, cheering on athletes and spectators alike and bringing the image of the Birmingham Bull to a global audience. His friendly design and message of inclusion made him especially popular with younger people.

But it was during the Games' spectacular Opening Ceremony, artfully directed by Iqbal Khan, that the symbol of the bull reached a new dimension of power and significance. At a climactic moment, Ozzy , a gigantic 10-meter-tall mechanical bull, emerged, puffing smoke and with glowing red eyes. This impressive creation, the work of the special effects company Artem, was not simply an imposing figure, but a representation laden with symbolism.

The sequence in which Ozzy appeared represented the Industrial Revolution, a period that transformed Birmingham and the West Midlands, but also took a huge human toll. The bull, initially raging and menacing, represented industrial machinery and the brute force of progress. It was associated with the figures of the women workers in the chain-link factories (a historically important trade in the region, especially for women), who first seemed to tame it and then suffer under its power. The visual narrative explored themes of exploitation, resilience, and, ultimately, a kind of reconciliation, suggesting the community's ability to overcome adversity and find humanity even amidst industrialization.

Ozzy's impact was immediate and profound. The audience in the stadium and the millions watching around the world were mesmerized by its scale, its mechanical detail, and the power of its message. It instantly became the iconic image of the Birmingham Games. Following the ceremony, a popular outcry arose to prevent the structure from being dismantled and lost. A campaign under the slogan #SaveTheBull quickly gained traction, and eventually, thanks to public pressure and a collaboration between Birmingham City Council and Network Rail, a solution was found.

The bull was restored, adapted for static display, and, following a public vote, named "Ozzy." Its installation at New Street Station in mid-2023 was enthusiastically received. Now, Ozzy stands as a spectacular monument at one of the main entry points to the city, a permanent reminder of the success of the Commonwealth Games and a symbol of Birmingham's resilience, industrial history, and capacity for reinvention. His presence transforms the station space, offering a dramatic and memorable welcome.

Ozzy vs. the Warden: Which bull best represents Birmingham?

With the arrival of Ozzy, Birmingham now has two prominent and beloved bulls, each with their own history and significance. Choosing which best represents the city is a complex task, as both embody distinct but complementary facets of the Brummie identity.

Ozzy , the mechanical colossus, represents modern, dynamic, and ambitious Birmingham. He is a symbol born of spectacle and global attention, reflecting a city that has hosted major events, is transforming, and is looking to the future. His industrial aesthetic and powerful presence evoke the city's manufacturing history, but also its capacity for innovation, creativity, and reinvention in the 21st century. Ozzy is grand, a little intimidating perhaps, but undeniably impressive. He represents the energy, scale, and determination of a city that has overcome challenges and is now claiming its place on the world stage. His location at the train station reinforces this idea of Birmingham as a connected, moving hub.

The Guardian , on the other hand, is the symbol of constancy, familiarity, and the community heart of Birmingham. Located at the city's commercial and social epicenter for two decades, it represents everyday life, tradition, and warmth. Its design is more classic, its scale more accessible. It doesn't need to move or roar; its strength lies in its calm, reliable presence. The Guardian is the friend who is always there, the familiar landmark, the canvas for local celebrations. It represents a welcoming Birmingham, rooted in its history, proud of its traditions, and with a sense of humor that allows it to dress for every occasion. It is the everyday bull, the symbol of the city's enduring soul.

Ultimately, perhaps it's not a matter of choosing one over the other. Ozzy and The Guardian coexist, offering two sides of the same coin. Ozzy captures the spectacle, revisited industrial history, and future projection of Birmingham. The Guardian embodies familiarity, community, and continuity. Together, they tell a more complete story of a complex and multifaceted city: a city forged in industry, marked by history, vibrant in the present, and boldly looking toward the future.

From the cruel spectacles of the 16th century to modern artistic icons and global spectacles, the bull has come a long way in Birmingham. It has evolved from a reminder of a brutal past to become an organic and beloved symbol, embraced by the people and representative of the indomitable spirit of England's second city. Whether it's the vigilant Bronze Guardian or the towering mechanical Ozzy, the bull remains a powerful emblem, a reflection of Birmingham's strength, resilience, and unique character.