THOUSANDS have gathered today to remember those who died 30 years ago today in the Bradford City fire tragedy.

Dignitaries from Bradford and Lincoln, who the Bantams were playing on that fateful day, represented both cities.

Centenary Square was a sea of claret and amber as fans and the public came together in memory of the 56 who died.

The names of the victims appeared on City Park's big screen and were read out aloud as City Hall’s clock struck a single chime for each of them.

A minute’s silence was broken when the City of Bradford Brass band played You’ll Never Walk Alone.

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The dignified service finished with the laying of wreaths by The Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Mike Gibbons, the Mayor and the Sheriff of Lincoln and the Lord Mayor (Oberburgermeister) of Hamm, Germany.

Cllr Gibbons paid tribute not just to those who lost their lives but also to their loved ones who have given each other support through those years.

The Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev Toby Howarth said: "The pain does not go away. The number of people here today speaks for itself.

"It's not just about Bradford City and the fans, it's about the city as a whole. Something went deep into the heart of this city and the wound is still here.

"Painfully, this event brought the city together, the emergency services battling to help those in need, the streets roundabout who took strangers into their homes, gave cups of tea, lifts home and a helping hand."

He went on to pay tribute to the burns specialists and medics who helped those at the time and the aftermath of the fire.

Bereaved families were also invited to lay floral tributes, followed by representatives from Bradford City AFC, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Yorkshire Police and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

The crowd then sang Abide With Me before the service closed and those gathered dispersed to look at the tributes left and reflect.