A MEMORIAL service for those who died in the Valley Parade fire disaster will be held on Saturday.

May 11 marks the 39th anniversary of the disaster, and the annual service will be attended by the relatives and friends of those who lost their lives or were injured, as well as many others.

It will take place at the Bradford City fire memorial sculpture in Centenary Square.

The service will start at 11am with the City Hall clock bells playing ‘Abide with Me’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ to mark the start of the Act of Commemoration.

The service will be conducted by the Dean of Bradford, The Very Reverend Andy Bowerman, assisted by Pastor Oliver Evans, Chaplain to Bradford City AFC.

The Lord-Lieutenant will lay a wreath on behalf of His Majesty The King, followed by the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Gerry Barker on behalf of the city and district.

Wreaths will also be laid by the High Sheriff, the Mayor of Lincoln, representatives of Bradford City AFC and Lincoln City FC, Professor Ajay Mahajan on behalf of the Burns Research Unit, bereaved families and representatives of the emergency services.

Once these wreaths have been laid, others who wish to lay their own wreaths or floral tributes are welcome to do so.

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, Cllr Barker, 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 11th May 1985. I hope people will join us in Centenary Square as we come together to pay tribute.”

The club’s chief executive officer, Ryan Sparks, said: “This Saturday, 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 May 11, as we come together to collectively pay our respects.”