THE producer of a new documentary about the Bradford City fire disaster says he hopes to educate a wider and younger audience about the tragedy.

Unforgotten: The Bradford City Fire is set to air next May on BBC Two to mark the 40th anniversary of the disaster, where 56 people sadly died.

There was a carnival atmosphere in the final game of the season, on May 11, 1985, after City secured the Third Division title weeks beforehand.

However, this all changed at the end of the first half when a fire, believed to have been started by a discarded cigarette or match, engulfed one of the old wooden stands. 

The disaster made headlines around the world as the city and the nation struggled to confront the enormity of Bradford’s loss.

Scores of floral tributes left in the aftermath of the fire Scores of floral tributes left in the aftermath of the fire (Image: Newsquest)

The documentary includes the personal testimony of those who were there - many of whom are speaking for the first time.

This is combined with access to the people who survived, family members of the bereaved, and emergency service first responders.

The Telegraph & Argus spoke exclusively to one of the producers.

Harrogate-born George Grafton explained how the idea for the documentary came to him 18 months ago.

"There was a local picture agency in Bradford back in the Eighties that covered all the major stories in the city at the time.

"They found a bunch of old negatives in a basement in Ilkley and brought them to our company, acme.

"Many conversations and considerations later, we got to a point where the BBC were interested."

George added: "I was born in 1993 and I admittedly had no grasp about what the Bradford City fire was.

"I had heard about it, but I did not know 56 people lost their lives or what it really meant to the people [of Bradford].

"The perception [in the rest of the country] was it has been forgotten because nobody talks about it. But actually being on the ground, people in Bradford have not forgotten about it.

The Bradford City fire memorial in Centenary Square The Bradford City fire memorial in Centenary Square (Image: T&A)

George feels it is important to not forget what happened on that disastrous day and ensure the 56 people who lost their lives are forever remembered.

The team also wanted those who lived through the fire to tell their story.

George said: "It is important to pass on this massive chapter in Bradford's history.

"I found the older generations have a sense of wanting this not to be forgotten with the passing of time."

He added: "There is no voiceover or presenter in this, it is told through the voices of the people who experienced it.

"It is a really personal and intimate account of their memories. We found that aside from telling a story about the fire, we wanted to explore the community at that time in Bradford.

"There was a strong sense of duty to one another. We have worked hard to explore what the club meant to the city at the time."

The BBC said: "Unforgotten: The Bradford City Fire is not just a film about a tragedy it is also a celebration of community, resilience and collective memory, exploring the extraordinary strength of human spirit and bravery through those who experienced it and those who were called upon to deal with the aftermath."

Simon Young, BBC Head of Commissioning, History, said the documentary "gets at the heart of a modern dilemma". 

He added: "In a world where everything is recorded on film, how do we sensitively remember and commemorate? What should remain off limits? And how do we ensure that a tragedy is marked and the lessons learned for future generations?

"It’s an honour to be working on this project with the people of Bradford to ensure that this anniversary is not forgotten.”

Jaimie D’Cruz, Executive Producer at acme tv, said: “The devastating fire at Valley Parade in May 1985 claimed 56 lives and had a huge impact on Bradford, on the nation and on the game of football itself.

"Yet in the years since, awareness of this extraordinary tragedy has largely faded from our collective memory.

"Making a commemorative film to mark the 40th anniversary of the event has been both a privilege and a responsibility, and we’re incredibly grateful to the community and those who were directly affected by the tragedy, who entrusted us to tell their stories."