Departing passengers will get the chance to see the wall that features Ozzy Osbourne, UB40, Benjamin Zephaniah, Jasper Carrott, Steven Knight, Glynn Purnell, Hannah Hampton, Ellie Symonds and the Peaky Blinders.   

The icons were chosen based on their West Midlands birthplace but also to celebrate their legacy and plays homage to sports, arts and culture heritage and talent from across the West Midlands. 

Al Titterington, terminal operations director of Birmingham Airport said: “When planning the Icons Wall, we wanted to give a sense of place but also a local feel that our passengers can resonate with.  

“This specially selected group of icons represent the diverse sport, arts and culture heritage across the region.   

“Ozzy Osbourne is one of the first to be seen as part of the artwork, followed by the remaining icons, interspersed by familiar sights of the Birmingham skyline including the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Library of Birmingham. 

“BHX is proud to be part of the heritage of the West Midlands as well, as a critical piece of national infrastructure and a key transport Gateway, however we know that the best bit of the West Midlands is its people and today showcases some of our region’s best.” 

Glynn Purnell, celebrity chef and the Yummy Brummie said: “I’m so excited and proud to be part of this celebration of Brummies and overwhelmed to be chosen to represent our amazing city and people.” 

UB40 commenting on the group being on the wall said: “It’s fantastic to be featured on the airports new wall which celebrates faces from Birmingham. 

“It’s important that the city starts to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and the diversity of our city. So, thank you to Birmingham Airport for leading the way, keep right on!” 

Qian Zephaniah, attending on behalf of the late Benjamin Zephaniah said: “Benjamin called Birmingham 'the centre of the universe’.  Now the People's Poet—the one who called this city the 'Jamaican Capital of Europe'—takes his place on the Icons Wall at Birmingham Airport. 

“That's full circle. That's coming home.

“This mural now stands at the gateway. Greeting the world. Welcoming them to the city he loved.  

“Benjamin knew: 'People will always need people.' Surrounded by the curry mile, by the art, by the heartbeat of this city, his presence reminds us: 'All ingredients are equally important.'  This ain't just a tribute.

“This is Benjamin returning to the gateway of the world—making sure that every traveller who passes through walks into a piece of hope.” 

The Icons Wall has formed part of the redevelopment of the airport that will cater for its future growth. 

The airport has undergone significant development works in recent times to ensure it is ready for the projected 14m passengers this year and in addition future growth. 

The development works tie in with BHX’s Master Plan that will be launched towards the later of the calendar year where it will showcase development and growth plans from now until 2041.