CITY will once again hold an online memorial service to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the Valley Parade fire.

As with in 2020, there will be no physical remembrance event in Centenary Square on May 11 amid the ongoing threat of Covid.

The club will collectively pause at 11am to pay tribute to the 56 people who died in the disaster.

Readings and prayers will be delivered via the social media accounts of City and Bradford Council.

Wreaths will be laid at Valley Parade and in Centenary Square but supporters are being urged to avoid gathering in large groups as they traditionally would.

City chief executive Ryan Sparks said: “It is with regret that we are once again unable to mark the anniversary of the fire disaster as we normally would.

“This event is of huge importance to the club, our supporters and the people of Bradford. On Tuesday May 11, we will once again pay tribute to those who sadly lost their lives and the families which remain affected by the tragedy to this day.

“We invite and encourage people to pay their respects with us safely online and hope we will once again be able to gather in person next year.”

Councillor Doreen Lee, The Lord Mayor of Bradford, said: “It is with great sadness we are not able to gather as normal at Centenary Square to mark the 36th anniversary of the Valley Parade fire disaster.

“However, under the current circumstances and with the restrictions in place, it is right that the safety of the public should come first and we will once again pay our respects in a different way, but the commemoration will be no less poignant.

“We hope that people will pay their respects with us safely online and pay tribute to those who sadly lost their lives and the families affected by the tragedy to this day.”