ANNUAL FIRE BURIAL SERVICE TODAY | News

A memorial service marking the 39th anniversary of the Valley Parade fire disaster will be held this morning – in collaboration with Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

Taking place in Centenary Square, Bradford, next to the Bradford City Fire Memorial, and starting at 11am, 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 the club and board . officials and members of the public – who are all openly invited and encouraged to attend.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Gerry Barker, will host a Lincoln Civic Party, who will also attend the service along with City Men’s First Team players and staff, alongside representatives from the club and Lincoln City.

The act of remembrance will begin with ‘Abide with me’ and ‘You’ll never walk alone’ as the town hall bells ring, with the service to be officiated by the Dean of Bradford, the Reverend Andy Bowerman and Bradford City. AFC Club Chaplain, Pastor Oliver Evans.

The Lord Lieutenant will lay a wreath on behalf of His Majesty the King, followed by the Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Gerry Barker on behalf of the city and borough. Wreaths will also be laid by the High Sheriff, the Mayor of Lincoln, Professor Ajay Mahajan on behalf of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit in Bradford, a representative of Lincoln City FC and bereaved families and representatives of the emergency services.

It has been agreed that club director and company secretary Alan Biggin will this year lay the wreath on behalf of Bradford City AFC, before others who wish to lay their own wreaths or floral tributes are welcome to do so.

To download a digital copy of the Order of Service for the memorial, please CLICK HERE.

Bradford University Stadium, including the Yorkshire Payments 1911 main reception, Valley Parade ticket office and Bradford City store will all be closed for the day to allow club staff to attend the service.

Due to regeneration work taking place in Bradford, roadworks are affecting many major routes into the city. Please allow extra time to get into the city center for the memorial service. The nearest disabled car park is at Aldermanbury.