Photos: Bears, Birmingham, Bulls!

[meridian_rose]

I don't really enjoy going into Birmingham city centre these days but we wanted to do the Bear Hunt. This previously ran as a larger event -in 2017 - The Big Sleuth ; I think I must have been mostly on Tumblr at the time because I remember I posted a pic there of a Shakespeare themed bear but no photos here that I can find.

There was also The Big Hoot owl themed trail in 2015, with a penguin parade in 2022.

Below are some collages. The first has photos of the bears. The second is other artwork I photographed during the day out. The third focuses on Ozzy the Bull because he was my favourite thing about the day.



1. Bear Hunt

The We're Going on a Bear Hunt featured 10 bears which, as always, are auctioned off after the event to raise money for charity. Inspired by the much loved children's book the colourful bears were located at a number of locations across the city.



2. Artwork including
The Birmingham Figure statue
Peaky Blinders - Castle Fine Art explains that Jon Jone's 50 metre installation is also a charitable one: In support of Birmingham Children's Hospital, Castle Fine Art will donate £1 for every image that castlegalleries is tagged in on social media with the hashtag #Brum4BCH.
The ceiling of the Picadilly Arcade
The sculpture nicknamed The Floozi in the Jacuzzi but properly titled The River
Art seen at the Mailbox and Grand Central (featuring iconic images such as well known eatery Mr Egg)
The Bullring Bull, a bull being much associated with Birmingham; sometimes he's dressed up for special occasions!
Gordon the Gnome and the Cadbury anniversary bull in Selfridges



3. Ozzy the bull
Constructed for the 2022 Commonwealth games and located in Centenary Square, Ozzy was due to be demolished after the games. Public outcry saw him saved, with amendments made so he was safe to be inside (no smoke) and with more animation of his face, and given a new home at Birmingham New Street Station next to the Grand Central shopping area. A public poll chose his name, honouring Black Sabbath frontman and local lad Ozzy Osbourne. Every 15 minutes beginning on the hour, Ozzy.comes to life, moving his head from side to side, blinking, and roaring.

His tail, less visible here, also moves, and is an anchor, the anchor being the hallmark for Birmingham which is known for its Jewellery Quarter

This Youtube video shows Ozzy's background and installation in New Street. This video shows him in action though the roar is subdued, it's better in person!

Comments

[cmcmck]

I'll be passing though the centre tomorrow on the way to Olton and saying hello to Ozzy on my out of New street to walk over to Moor street

[meridian_rose]

I was amazed just how huge he is! I bet plenty of people say hello on their way past :)

[tellshannon815]

I must have totally been half asleep just before Christmas (the only time I can think of recently that I'd have been in Birmingham) because I was having coffee in full view of Ozzy while waiting for a connecting train, and I don't remember noticing him move even though I'd have been there long enough!

There's a big Hereford bull statue in my home town which is notorious for having people trying to ride it (and falling off) after a few pints. One time some idiot painted red high heels and lipstick on it and made it into the Hereford cow.

I always like seeing trails like that - my family were very patient back in April when I wanted to see the "Snooks" in York. Unfortunately, at least one was taken away for repair that weekend and one was very hard to get a good look at because some genius thought that putting it behind the massive queues for the Jorvik Viking museum was a sensible idea!

[meridian_rose]

He was briefly turned off for repair work so that might have been when you were there, but he's back moving again now :)

I must google some pics of the Hereford bull! I've seen the Derby Ram once too. It's lovely seeing different sculptures in different places.

Trails are great if you can get to them. The previous Bear Hunt in 2017 was ridiculous, so many bears spread out way too far. I've got pics to sort (some are on my camera so it'll take longer) of a few elephants for a trail around Tamworth/Sutton Coldfield area which were at least to be gathered in one place at the end so you can see them all without travelling miles. At least this time all the bears were in central Birmingham and accessible!
The Snooks look very cute, what a lovely trail that must have been to do even if you couldn't catch them all :)

[bleodswean]

I want to see Ozzy!!!!

[meridian_rose]

He's impressive, far bigger than I'd imagined! I wish I'd been able to find a better video clip of him so share! I love how he was named, the whole story is a real love letter for Ozzy Osbourne and the city.