Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The memorial service in City Park

HUNDREDS of people gathered in Bradford this morning to pay their respects to the victims of the 1985 Bradford City Fire Disaster.

The 31st anniversary memorial service in Centenary Square was attended by Bradford City officials, fans and Bradford councillors including David Green and Simon Cooke.

The service remembered the 56 people who died and more than 250 people who were injured at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Bradford City co-chairman Mark Lawn lays a wreath at the memorial

Families of the victims of the fire disaster, The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds and Bradford City co-chairman Mark Lawn were among those to lay wreaths at the service.

The hymn, Abide With Me, was sang by those who attended the 25-minute service. A minute's silence was also held. 

The Lord Mayor of Bradford said: “It is really special.

“No matter who you speak to in Bradford, somebody knows people who were there on the day of the fire, or were affected by it.

“It’s still a massive part of our history and is still very, very raw.”

The Very Reverend Jerry Lepine told the gathering: "We are here today to continue the process of healing.

"Remembering is an important part of that healing."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

A fan pays an emotional tribute after the memorial service

The service was conducted by the chaplain to Bradford City, the Reverend Andy Grieff and the Lord Mayor’s chaplain Reverend Canon Paul Bilton, supported.

Fire engines were parked on Centenary Square for the duration of the service and as with previous years, a garland of flowers was placed on the Memorial Bell at the top of the civic staircase in City Hall. The bell was donated to the city by the fire service as it came from the first fire engine to arrive on the scene on May 11, 1985.