Bradford clergy have led an open air service in the city’s Centenary Square to mark the anniversary of the Bradford City fire disaster.
The annual commemoration service to remember those who lost their lives at Valley Parade , those who were injured and their loved ones took place in bright sunshine. It was attended by dignitaries and representatives from Bradford City, Lincoln City, family and friends of those involved in the tragedy, and representatives of the emergency services, as well as large numbers of supporters and members of the public.
This year the May 11thg service marked the 32nd anniversary of the disaster which claimed 56 lives and left injured more than 260 people injured.
Leading the service were the chaplain to Bradford City, the Reverend Andy Greiff, the Lord Mayor’s chaplain, the Revd Canon Sarah Jemison, the Archdeacon of Bradford, the Ven. Andy Jolley, and Canon Paul Maybury of Bradford Cathedral.
The act of remembrance included a minute's silence, the laying of wreaths at the Bradford City fire memorial, and the hymn Abide with Me. Meanwhile a garland of flowers was placed on the Memorial Bell at the top of the civic staircase in City Hall.
Speaking after the service, the Venerable Andy Jolley said, ""It was very moving to talk with families who had lost loved ones and others who were survivors of the fire. The significance of the memorial service seems to be growing and there is a great sense of its importance for the wider community if Bradford and our wanting to stand alongside the families and others affected by the fire."
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, said: "It is extremely important to the city and the district that we take time out of our busy lives to remember those who were affected and continue to be affected by the tragic events of May 11, 1985.”