Bradford City fire disaster: 'We need those reference points in time of darkness'

On Monday the cities of Bradford and Lincoln remembered the 56 victims of the worst fire disaster in English football history when Valley Parade's main stand caught fire during a match between Bradford City and Lincoln City on May 11, 1985.

Social distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic prevented mourners gathering in person at Centenary Square as they do every year, but the service was instead held online, a move Bishop Howarth said was particularly important in the circumstances.

“It's as if the world has changed since the covid virus took hold and we went into lockdown,” he told the service. “It's as if we're living in another country.

“But in this new country there are still points of reference for us in Bradford and this memorial is one of the most powerful.

“As horrific and dark as that moment was, there were also quite extraordinary points of light – acts of bravery, heroism, care, compassion and faith that also remain. We need those reference points because we are now in a time of darkness as well.”

Readings and prayers were delivered over a variety of internet channels, with the mayors of both cities, Bradford's Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU), the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Bradford District West Yorkshire Police and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust amongst those represented.

As well as 54 Bantams supporters, two Lincoln fans also perished, and hundreds more were injured.

The bells of Bradford's City Hall rang out Abide With Me and You'll Never Walk Alone, and in advance of the service wreaths were laid at Valley Parade and in Centenary Square on behalf of club officials, Bradford Metropolitan Council and Lincoln City.

“Professional football teams give towns and cities more than just entertainment,” said Dean of Bradford the Very Reverend Jerry Lepine. “They create a sense of community through their supporters and the outreach they do into the local area. Cities live their football teams.

“Tragic events like the Bradford fire go deep into the memory of a place.”

Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Doreen Lee stressed that: “Although we may not have been able to stand alongside one another as in years past, we can still come together spiritually as a district and remember the 56 people who tragically lost their lives, the scores of those injured and scarred and the family, friends and colleagues who lost their loved ones.

“Although Centenary Square may be empty, I know right across our district we will be stopping to remember everyone touched by that devastating spring afternoon, an afternoon that changed our city forever.”

Bradford City's club chaplain spoke of the importance of remembering the events of 35 years ago.

“It was incredible last year to see literally thousands of people at the service and we'll hopefully be able to do that next year.,” said Pastor Oliver Evans. “It was fabulous also to see the players, to see how they responded last year. This event happened in many cases before they were even born.

“This fire forms part of the narrative of who we are as a city.”

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