Reflections and tributes in memory of the 56 killed in football disaster
A PAUSE for reflection was held yesterday, as the public remembered those who went to watch a football match and never returned home.
Tributes were paid to mark the 35th anniversary of the Bradford City Fire disaster, in which 56 people were killed and a further 265 were injured.
The disaster broke out on May 11, 1985, when fire engulfed the main stand at Valley Parade as more than 11,000 spectators watched Bradford City play Lincoln City.
A memorial service planned in the city’s Centenary Square to commemorate the tragedy was held online due to social distancing restrictions, while a small, private ceremony was held where the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Doreen Lee, laid a wreath in remembrance. A posy was also laid on behalf
of the Mayor of Lincoln. Coun Lee said: “As Lord Mayor of Bradford, I felt it was important that we should still lay our wreath as we always do and in a way that would be safe in the current circumstances. I would
also like to thank the Mayor of Lincoln, Coun Sue Burke for her flowers and messages.”
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service paused to remember the 56 spectators, with pictures showing staff outside fire stations as a mark of respect. Bradford District Commander for the service, Benjy Bush, said: “The memories of those fans who died is something that we pay tribute to each year, and we would normally come together with the people of Bradford and other emergency services to pay their respects.”
Tributes were also left online by football clubs and personalities across the country, including presenter Chris Kamara, a former Bradford City player and manager.
Mr Kamara posted his condolences on Twitter, writing: “Today we should remember the 56 people who went to watch a football match between Bradford City and Lincoln City but never returned home – RIP the 56 who died, gone but must never be forgotten”.