Hundreds stand silent to mark anniversary of Bradford City fire disaster (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Hundreds stand silent to mark anniversary of Bradford City fire disaster

11:04am Friday 11th May 2012 in News By Hannah Postles, T&A Reporter

Hundreds of people stood in silence in the centre of Bradford today to remember the 56 victims of the Valley Parade fire disaster 27 years on.

Club supporters and survivors of the tragedy were joined by representatives of Bradford City and Lincoln City foootball clubs, the emergency services and dignitaries for an outdoor memorial service at Centenary Square at 11am.

The service, led by the Lord Mayor's chaplain Maulana Fazal Dad and chaplain to Bradford City Football Club the Reverend Paul Deo, remembered those who lost their lives and the many more who were injured as fire ripped through the ground while Bradford City played Lincoln in the last home match of the season in 1985.

Friends and relatives paid silent tribute to the victims as wreaths were placed at the memorial stone. Flags were flown at half mast as the City Hall bells played Abide With Me and You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Before the service, Lord Mayor Councillor Naveeda Ikram said it was important for residents to remember each anniversary of the tragedy.

She said: "In some ways it touched the lives of most people in the district and people need to reflect and mark the occasion.”