Thrash metal band Mount Slatra have made the journey to Broad Street from Kidderminster in Worcestershire.

Ben Alexander (pictured on the right) said they had arrived shortly after 07:30 BST and said crowds were starting to fill up.

"There's an energy that's sort of a mix of solemn and a bit joyous in the celebration of Ozzy's life."

Attending the event today was "almost like a pilgrimage," he added.

"There are fans from all across the world that have really been touched by their music, both Black Sabbath and Ozzy's.

"And because he was such a genuine character I think it's very hard not to like him."

As the frontman of Black Sabbath and a pioneer of heavy metal music, Ozzy Osbourne had a legion of fans.

In the United States, many have been leaving flowers and tributes on top of Osbourne's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Some of them spoke to the BBC about what the legendary singer meant to them.

Ozzy's cortege will be led by Birmingham band Bostin' Brass.

They played at an event at New Street Station when Ozzy the mechanical bull, created for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, was unveiled by Sharon Osbourne at his new home.

Band leader Aaron Diaz says he is both nervous and honoured to be taking part.

"It's certainly high pressure," the trumpet player said, adding, "you do feel a weight of responsibility."

"In the last couple of days it's been amazing the sentiment the city feels towards Ozzy, the pride - he's one of Birmingham's own," he said.

"We're really going to enjoy playing a fitting tribute to him and being part of the crowd of thousands that's going to turn out on the day."

Josh Tranter
BBC Radio WM

Crowds have already started to gather at the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench in Birmingham.

About 150 people were estimated to be there by 07:00 BST, some of them bringing pop-up chairs and picnics.

People have got quite the wait until the procession, which is expected at about 13:00.

Image source, PA Media

Image source, PA Media

Black Sabbath Bridge has got cast iron gates, but you can't actually see them because of the wall of flowers.

The tributes are about 5m (16ft) deep, and flying above the tributes are big black balloons spelling out Ozzy.

There's a somber respect as well as a definite sadness at the bridge.

Image source, Ross Halfin

Hello and welcome to our coverage of Ozzy Osbourne's last trip through Birmingham.

Thousands of Black Sabbath fans are expected to gather a cortege make its way along Broad Street in the city centre later this afternoon.

The procession will make its way to the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench. The bridge, which spans one of Birmingham's canals, has become a focal point for fans to gather and pay tribute and has become a sea of flowerss in recent days.

Funded by the family of the heavy metal pioneer, who grew up in Aston, the event is a chance for the city to pay its last respects to one of its greatest legends.

Osbourne died eight days ago, just over two weeks since he headlined the Black Sabbath: Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park.