AN online service will be held next week to mark the 36th anniversary of the Bradford City fire disaster at Valley Parade.

The service will be streamed from 11am on Tuesday, May 11. Readings and prayers will be delivered via the club’s and Council’s communications channels by a host of representatives and colleagues from across the district.

Also on May 11 the Bradford City Football Club flag will be flown on the City Hall roof at half-mast and smaller Bradford City flags will be flown on the poles in Centenary Square at full mast.

The bells of Bradford City Hall clock tower will play Abide With Me and You’ll Never Walk Alone at 11am and the Clock Tower will be illuminated in claret and amber lights in the evening as a tribute.

Wreaths will be laid privately at the memorial on behalf of the club, Bradford Council and Lincoln City prior to May 11.

 

Anyone wishing to pay their respects at the city centre memorial or club with flowers or other tributes are asked to continue to follow public health advice, particularly adhere to restrictions on outdoor mixing and avoid meeting in large groups and minimise any travel.

Bradford City were playing Lincoln City in their last home match of the season when the disaster claimed the lives of 54 Bradford City supporters and two travelling Lincoln supporters, injuring hundreds more.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Doreen Lee, said: “It is extremely sad that we are not able to gather as normal in Centenary Square to mark this important anniversary. “However, under the current circumstances and with the restrictions in place, it is right that the safety of the public should come first and we will once again pay our respects in a different way, but the commemoration will be no less poignant.

“We encourage people to join us online at 11am for this special service and take a private moment to pay their respects and pay tribute to those who sadly lost their lives and the families affected by the tragedy to this day.”

Ryan Sparks, Bradford City’s chief executive officer, said: “It is with regret that we are once again unable to mark the anniversary of the Valley Parade Fire Disaster as we usually would.

“The event is of huge importance to the club, our supporters, and the people of Bradford.

“On Tuesday, May 11, as we did last year, we will once again pay tribute to those who sadly lost their lives, and the families which remain affected by the tragedy to this day.

“We invite and encourage people to pay their respects with us safely, online, and hope - having come together online again to collectively remember the 56 lives we lost - we will once again be able to gather in person next year.”

Revd Canon Paul Maybury, Precentor at Bradford Cathedral, said: "We stand with the City and District as we honour those who were taken from us on that fateful day and hope and pray that the short recorded memorial service will provide us all with comfort and hope."

Where to watch the service: Full service Facebook – www.facebook.com/bradfordmdc YouTube – search ‘Bradford Council’