A MEMORIAL service to mark the anniversary of the Bradford City fire disaster at Valley Parade will be held.

The city of Bradford will unite at the Bradford City Fire Memorial sculpture in Centenary Square on Thursday, May 11 at 11am for the 38th anniversary of the tragedy.

The service will be attended by those affected by the 1985 disaster at Valley Parade.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford City manager Mark Hughes, second from right, attended last year's memorial service Bradford City manager Mark Hughes, second from right, attended last year's memorial service (Image: Newsquest)

Bradford City were playing Lincoln City in their last home match of the season when the fire claimed the lives of 54 Bradford City supporters and two travelling Lincoln fans.

Hundreds of people were injured. 

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Martin Love, will host a Civic Party from Lincoln.

They will attend the service with representatives from Bradford City and Lincoln City.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Crowds gather for last year's City fire memorial service held in Centenary SquareCrowds gather for last year's City fire memorial service held in Centenary Square (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Love said: “It is important to the city and district that we take time to remember those who were affected and those who continue to be affected by the tragic events on 11th May 1985.

“I was one of the 11,000 at Valley Parade on that day in 1985 and it will be particularly poignant.

“I invite people to join us in Centenary Square as we come together to pay tribute.”

Ryan Sparks, Bradford City's chief executive officer, added: “After the return of a physical memorial service for the first time since before the pandemic last year, we will once again come together to remember the 56 lives lost on May 11, 1985 in person.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford gathered last year to mark the anniversary of the city's fire disasterBradford gathered last year to mark the anniversary of the city's fire disaster (Image: Newsquest)

“As with each and every year, it is hugely important for us to be able to pay our respects to those who sadly lost their lives, and the families who remain affected by the Valley Parade Fire Disaster to this day, in the most fitting way possible.

“This year, of course, the service will be made even more poignant following the sad passing of two hugely significant figures linked to the tragedy recently, who all of us at Bradford City hold so very dear.

“It is important that this year, while we honour all those affected by the disaster on the 38th anniversary, we also pay tribute to Professor David Sharpe OBE, founder of Bradford’s Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), and Jockel Reisner, who designed the Bradford City Fire Memorial which stands in Centenary Square."