The annual memorial service - marking the 35th anniversary of the Valley Parade Fire Disaster - will this year not take place in Centenary Square.
With restrictions ongoing as a result of the coronavirus outbreak and social-distancing measures set to be in place for the foreseeable future, a decision to stage a service online has been taken.
Held in conjunction with Bradford Metropolitan Council, on May 11, we will collectively pause to pay tribute to the 56 people who died in the 1985 disaster.
Readings and prayers will be delivered via the club’s and council’s social media channels by a host of representatives and colleagues from across the district.
The service to remember those who tragically passed away during the fixture, involving Lincoln City, will get underway from 11.00am.
The disaster claimed the lives of 54 Bradford City supporters and two travelling Lincoln supporters, injuring hundreds more, in one of the world’s most devastating sporting tragedies.
As COVID-19 continues to impact the country, we are not able to gather as we would normally and supporters are advised to adhere to government guidelines and not visit memorials until restrictions are relaxed.
Commemorative wreaths will be placed at the Utilita Energy Stadium and in Centenary Square, on behalf of club officials, Bradford Metropolitan Council and Lincoln City, prior to May 11.
City’s director of communications, Ryan Sparks, said: “It is with deep regret the annual memorial service cannot safely take place in its usual setting.
“The event is of paramount importance to the club, our supporters, and the people of Bradford - and beyond. In a very different way, on May 11, we will pay tribute to those who sadly lost their lives and the families affected by the tragedy to this day.
“We invite people to pay their respects with us safely, online, and hope you will all be able to tune into our social media channels to be part of a day where we come together to remember the 56.”
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Doreen Lee, said: “It is with great sadness we announce that we will not be able to gather as normal at Centenary Square to mark the 35th anniversary of the Valley Parade Fire Disaster.
“However, under the current circumstances it is right that the safety of the public should come first and while we will be paying our respects in a different way this year, the commemoration will be no less poignant.
“We hope that people across the district will join us online to pay their respects as they normally would, only this year from their own home.”
The Utilita Energy Stadium will remain closed on May 11 and supporters are asked to kindly adhere to social-gathering restrictions until further notice.