SATURDAY May 11 marks the 39th anniversary of the Bradford City Valley Parade Fire Disaster.
The annual memorial service will be held at 11am that day, and will remember the 56 people who died in the disaster in 1985.
It will be attended by the relatives and friends of those who lost their lives or were injured, as well as many others, and will take place at the Bradford City Fire Memorial sculpture in Centenary Square.
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 supporters, injuring hundreds more. The Lord Mayor of Bradford will host a Civic Party from Lincoln who will also attend the service together with representatives from Bradford City AFC and Lincoln City FC.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Gerry Barker said: “It is extremely 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 of 11th May 1985. I invite people to join us in Centenary Square as we come together to pay tribute.”
The club’s chief executive officer, Ryan Sparks, said: “Next month, we will once again come together to remember the 56 lives lost on 11th May 1985.
“As with each and every year, it is hugely important for us to be able to pay our respects to those who sadly lost their lives, and the families who remain affected by the Valley Parade Fire Disaster to this day, in the most fitting way possible.
“We invite and encourage people to join us in the City Centre on Saturday May 11, as we come together to collectively pay our respects.”
Speaking during last year's service, the then Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Martin Love, said: “38 years ago 11,000 plus went to watch a football match on a Saturday afternoon.
“All of us expected to return to our loved ones afterwards. 56 never got to go back to their loved ones.
“We remember that not all scars are visible. We keep everyone affected by the tragedy in our hearts today.”
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