The 56 people who died in the Valley Parade fire disaster will be remembered at a memorial service in Bradford city centre.

A 30-minute service will take place in Centenary Square on Saturday, May 11, 28 years to the day of the tragedy at Bradford City’s ground.

Relatives and friends of those who lost their lives, or were injured, will be among those attending alongside local MPs, Bantams footballers, and representatives from the police, fire and health service.

The service, which will be led by the Acting Dean of Bradford, the Rev Canon Andrew Williams, with support from the Rev Jimmy Hinton and the Rev Andy Greiff, will start at 11am when the bells at City Hall play Abide with Me and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Bradford’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Dale Smith, will lead a commemoration at the disaster’s memorial stone.

He said: “It is important that we remember on May 11 each year all those who died in this tragedy. In some way it touched the lives of most people in the district and people need to reflect and mark the occasion. I hope people will come down and pay their respects.”

The tragedy, which also saw more than 260 injured, unfolded just before half-time during the final home game of City’s title-winning Division Three season. The Bantams were playing Lincoln City and had been presented with the Division Three trophy before the game.

At the memorial service, Coun Smith will be joined by senior politicians and Council officers, as well as the Mayor and Consort and the Sheriff and Consort from Lincoln.

Flags will be flown at half-mast and the big screen will be muted while the service takes place.