Bradford City AFC - in conjunction with Bradford Metropolitan District Council - will once again hold a physical memorial service on Saturday May 11, marking the 39th anniversary of the Valley Parade Fire Disaster.
Taking place in Centenary Square, Bradford, by the Bradford City Fire Memorial, and beginning at 11.00am, the service will be attended by relatives and friends of the 56 people who lost their lives and were affected in 1985, as well as club and council officials and members of the public.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Gerry Barker, will host a Civic Party from Lincoln who will also attend the service together, with City’s men’s first team players and staff in attendance alongside representatives from the club, and from Lincoln City.
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.
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.”
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 invite people to join us in Centenary Square as we come together to pay tribute.”
