Bradford unites as Valley Parade Fire memorial held in person for first time in three years
The first service of its kind since the Covid-19 pandemic took place at Centenary Square
Last updated 11th May 2022
A memorial service to commemorate the Valley Parade Fire Disaster was held today, to mark the 37th anniversary.
The memorial was held at Centenary Square, and due to the Covid-19 pandemic it was the first of its kind since 2019.
Friends and family of the 56 people who lost their lives in 1985 attended, as well as club and council officials and members of the public.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Shabir Hussain, will host a Civic Party from Lincoln who will also attend the service together, with Mark Hughes and City’s first-team players and staff in attendance.
The Act of Commemoration started with 'Abide with Me' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone', with the service conducted by Rev Canon Paul Maybury, Acting Dean at Bradford Cathedral.
Lord-Lieutenant Mr. Ed Anderson, CBE laid a wreath on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen followed by Cllr Hussain on behalf of the City and district, and chief executive officer Ryan Sparks on behalf of Bradford City AFC.
Wreaths were also be laid by the Mayor of Lincoln, Prof. Ajay Mahajan on behalf of Bradford's Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit and bereaved families and the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service.
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.
Ryan Sparks, said: “We are pleased to once again be in a position to remember the 56 lives lost on 11th May 1985 in person, with the return of a traditional memorial service.
“After the past couple of years we have had, in holding digital services in conjunction with Bradford Metropolitan District Council as a result of the pandemic, it is hugely important for us to be able to pay our respects to those who sadly lost their lives, and the families which remain affected by the tragedy to this day, in the most fitting way possible."
“We invite and encourage people to join us in Centenary Square on Wednesday May 11, as we come together to collectively pay tribute to the 56 lives we lost 37 years ago.”
Cllr Hussain 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."