Tony Iommi and Tom Wagner amongst the recipients of this year’s Lord Mayor Awards

The awards were presented by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal MBE at the Council’s Annual General Meeting this afternoon, Tuesday 19 May.

Handsworth-born Tony Iommi has been honoured for his outstanding achievements as a world-renowned musician, writer, and producer.

As a founding member of Black Sabbath, Tony is widely recognised as a creator of heavy metal music and the award recognises the genre’s continued impact on the cultural landscape of Birmingham, enriching millions of people’s lives and enhancing Birmingham’s national and international reputation.

Tom Wagner’s award recognises his leadership and contributions to Birmingham’s sporting landscape as co-founder and co-managing member of Knighthead Capital Management, through investment and development in Birmingham City Football Club, Birmingham Panthers netball team, and Birmingham Phoenix cricket franchise.

The award recognises Tom’s strong commitment to investment, regeneration, and community advancement, including the development of Birmingham City Football Club’s new stadium and the wider Sports Quarter as well as enhancing the city’s transport infrastructure, further strengthening Birmingham’s national and international profile.

Also recognised by the Lord Mayor was historian and writer Carl Chinn MBE DL for his work championing Birmingham’s history and historical sites, community leader Maqbool Ahmed for his work with Birmingham Central Mosque and dedication to building bridges across the city’s communities; and entrepreneur Marawat Hussain for his work in creating the Balsall Health Community Hub and his role as Chair of the Iqbal Academy.

The Rigby Foundation working with young people aged 11 years to 25 years old in the West Midlands, was honoured for its work supporting Birmingham’s young people by expanding opportunities and improving outcomes.

Martin Burton MBE was recognised for 30 years of service raising funds for the Lord Mayor’s Charity, while Barry Toon was honoured for 50 years of service across the community safety and housing sectors, including his role in Birmingham’s ground-breaking Urban Renewal Programme.

John Dolphin, Chairman of the Federation of Birmingham Ex-Service Associations, and Peter Lloyd, Secretary of the National Service Association, were both recognised for their dedication to supporting the city’s veterans and the city’s armed forces events including Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day commemorations.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal MBE, said:

“The Lord Mayor’s Awards recognise the very best of Birmingham, individuals and organisations who have shown exceptional service to Birmingham and its people.

From global icons like Tony Iommi and Tom Wagner to those working tirelessly in our communities, each award winner has played a vital role in shaping the Birmingham we all love, strengthening our communities, and enhancing its reputation on the national and international stage.

It is wonderful to celebrate their achievements and thank them for the impact they continue to have on our great city.”