HUNDREDS of people gathered in Bradford to pay their respects to the victims of the 1985 Bradford City Fire Disaster.
The 37th anniversary memorial service in Centenary Square was attended by Bradford City officials, manager Mark Hughes and his first team squad, fans and Bradford councillors including leader Susan Hinchcliffe.
The service remembered the 56 people who died and more than 250 people who were injured at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985 when Bradford City faced Lincoln City.
It was the first time the service has been held in person for three years due to the pandemic.
Families of the victims of the fire disaster, Professor Ajay Mahajan, from the Bradford Burns Unit, and Bradford City chief executive Ryan Sparks were among those to lay wreaths at the service.
Fire engines were parked at Centenary Square for the duration of the service.
Other wreaths at the memorial service were laid by Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, on behalf of the Queen, the Mayor of Lincoln and representatives from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The hymn, Abide With Me, was sung by those who attended the 30-minute service. A minute's silence was also held. The City Hall clock bells played ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ to start the service.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Shabir Hussain, said: “It is also significant that we can come together and stand aside one another in remembrance.”
The service was conducted by the chaplain to Bradford City; Pastor Oliver Evans, Canon Paul Maybury, of Bradford Cathedral with a concluding blessing given by the Bishop of Bradford, The Right Reverend Toby Howarth.
During the service, Pastor Evans said: “Our commitment as a club is that we will never forget the 56. We will always remember.”
James Mason, former Bradford City chief executive and now chief executive officer of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, attended the memorial service.
He said: ”I think after the last two years of not being able to meet in person to remember 1985, today felt special.
“I’m bursting with pride to be a Bradfordian.”
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, who attended the service, said: “It’s such an important event for Bradford to remember those who died and were scarred for life from the events of that day.
“It’s wonderful to be together around the memorial and pause for thought and remember.”
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