Bradford City fire memorial service in Centenary Square on May 11

A MEMORIAL service to mark the anniversary of the Bradford City fire disaster at Valley Parade will be held in person for the first time in three years.

The city of Bradford is set to unite at the Bradford City Fire Memorial sculpture in Centenary Square for the first time since 2019 on May 11 at 11am for the 37th anniversary of the tragedy. The day was marked with an online service over the last couple of years due to the restrictions of the pandemic.

The service will be attended by friends and relatives of the 56 people who died or were injured at Valley Parade at the disaster in 1985.

A series of images from the 2019 Bradford City fire disaster memorial service, the last time it was held in person until it returns on May 11 this year

Bradford City were playing Lincoln City in their last home match of the season when the disaster claimed the lives of 54 Bradford City supporters and two travelling Lincoln fans, injuring hundreds more.

Steve Gorringe, of Shipley Bantams, says he will be attending the service on May 11, adding it will be good that people can get together in person to pay their respects. He said: “It’s still difficult to talk about.

“It lives with you forever. It is remembered in a very dignified way by the people of Bradford.”

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Shabir Hussain, will host a Civic party from Lincoln who will also attend the service together with representatives from Bradford City including the first-team squad and manager Mark Hughes.

Lord Mayor of Bradford 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 on May 11, 1985. This year will be even more poignant as we can come together in person to remember.”

Ryan Sparks, Bradford City chief executive officer, said: “We are pleased to once again be in a position to remember the 56 lives lost on 11th May 1985 in person, with the return of a traditional memorial service.

“After the past couple of years we have had, in holding digital services in conjunction with Bradford Council as a result of the ongoing pandemic, it is hugely important for us to be able to pay our respects to those who sadly lost their lives, and the families which remain affected by the tragedy to this day, in the most fitting way possible.

“We invite and encourage people to join us in Centenary Square on Wednesday May 11, as we come together to collectively pay tribute to the 56 lives we lost 37 years ago.”

Bradford City's memorial service for the fire victims will be held at Centenary Square next month