Ozzfest is set to officially return to the UK for its 2027 edition, with organizers confirming that the legendary metal festival will take place at the Milton Keynes Bowl. The revival of the iconic event, which first launched in 1996, marks a significant moment for the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne.
Sharon Osbourne, the late frontman's widow and manager, had previously shared plans to revive the event, confirming that it would proceed with the blessing of the former Black Sabbath icon. While initial discussions pointed toward a return to Birmingham’s Villa Park, ongoing construction at the site has necessitated a move to the Milton Keynes Bowl, a location with deep historical ties to the festival's origins.
A New Chapter for a Metal Legacy
Ozzy Osbourne at Back To The Beginning in Villa Park, Birmingham, 2025. CREDIT: Press
The 2027 edition is scheduled for Saturday, July 10. This will be the first Ozzfest held since the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, who died in the summer of 2025 at the age of 76, shortly after his final farewell concert, 'Back To The Beginning', at Villa Park. The festival has not been held in the UK since 2018.
“Ozzy was the first to launch his own travelling metal festival and Ozzfest will always remain an important part of Ozzy’s legacy,” Sharon Osbourne stated. “Unfortunately, due to continuing construction, Villa Park won’t be ready for any live shows this summer, so we had to relocate to Milton Keynes. The choice was to move Ozzfest or postpone it for another year.”
Global Expansion and Historical Impact
Producer and manager Andy Copping expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting the significance of returning to the National Bowl. “It was a huge honour to work with Sharon on ‘Back To The Beginning’, so I’m thrilled to be working with her again at Ozzfest and bringing it back to the UK, back to the National Bowl where it all got started,” Copping said.
In addition to the UK date, Ozzfest is expanding its reach globally in 2027. The festival is confirmed to return to the US on September 11 at the Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino, followed by its first-ever Mexico edition on September 18 at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City.
Since its inception in 1996, Ozzfest became a cornerstone of the metal touring circuit, providing a massive platform for bands such as Slipknot, System Of A Down, and Disturbed. While the festival concluded its original run in 2018 due to the rising financial demands of the industry, its return serves as a testament to the enduring influence of the Osbourne family on the rock and metal landscape.
Tickets for the UK event are scheduled to go on sale starting at 10am on November 6.