Bradford City fire memorial service held in Centenary Square

The 39th anniversary memorial service remembered the 56 people who died and more than 250 people who were injured at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985, when Bradford City played Lincoln City.

The 30-minute service was held at the Bradford City fire memorial sculpture in Centenary Square on what was a fine spring day.

It began at 11am, when the City Hall clock bells played 'Abide with Me' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.

The service was conducted by the Dean of Bradford, The Very Reverend Andy Bowerman, assisted by Pastor Oliver Evans, Chaplain to Bradford City AFC.

He said: "Fifty-six people went to a football match - and never came home.

As the City Hall clock strikes 11.00am, we fall silent - to remember the 56 lives lost on 11th May 1985. You'll Never Walk Alone. ❤️💛#BCAFC pic.twitter.com/EApni0MZwc

— Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) May 11, 2024

"We will never forget them - and we will always remember them."

A minute's silence was held to remember those affected by the tragedy.

Lord-Lieutenant Ed Anderson laid a wreath on behalf of King Charles, followed by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Gerry Barker, on behalf of the city and district.

Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Gerry Barker, spoke at the poignant event (Image: Bradford Council)

Cllr Barker 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 of that dreadful day, May 11, 1985.

"By coming together, standing united in grief, our sense of loss is shared - helping to bring peace and solace."

Wreaths were also laid by the High Sheriff, the Mayor of Lincoln, representatives from Bradford City AFC and Lincoln City FC, and Professor Ajay Mahajan, on behalf of Bradford’s Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit.

Bradford City players stood in silence before their final home game to remember those affected (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Bereaved families and emergency service representatives then laid wreaths, and others who attended were also invited to leave floral tributes.

Bradford City chief executive officer, Ryan Sparks, said: "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."

Residents have been in touch with the Telegraph & Argus to express their condolences to those affected by the disaster.

They added that those who lost their lives in the tragedy will never be forgotten.