Bradford City fire disaster is set to be remembered

The service in Centenary Square will mark the 29th anniversary of the deaths of 56 people when fire spread quickly through a stand at Valley Parade during a match in May 1985.

This year’s remembrance event on Sunday will involve a 30-minute service at 11am by the chaplain to Bradford City, the Rev Andy Grieff, at the memorial sculpture. It will also be attended by Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Khadim Hussain.

The hymn Abide With Me and the anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone will be played on the City Hall bells to mark the start of the service, which is expected to be attended by relatives and friends of those who lost their lives or who were injured in the blaze.

The Lincoln Mayor and Mayoress, Coun Patrick Vaughan and Lorna Stow, will be there to represent the city whose team Bradford City were playing in their last home match of the season on the day of the disaster.

A minute’s silence will be held before the Lord Mayor lays a wreath on behalf of the city and the district.

Wreaths will also be laid by the Mayor of Lincoln, Bradford City, bereaved families and officers from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

When those have been laid, others wishing to place their own wreaths or floral tributes will be welcome to do so.

Coun Hussain said: “I feel it is important that we take time each year on May 11, to remember those who died or were injured in any way by the tragic events of that day. They went to watch a football match and didn’t come home and this continues to touch the lives of so many people in the district. I hope people will come to Centenary Square and pay their respects.”

Three fire engines will be parked on Centenary Square for the duration of the memorial service and before the service a garland of flowers will be placed on the Memorial Bell at the top of the civic staircase in City Hall which was donated by the fire service from the first fire engine at the scene.