Today (Sunday 11 May 2014) the football club paused to remember those who perished in the Valley Parade Fire Disaster 29 years ago during the now-annual service of remembrance.





Hundreds of fans joined City players and staff past and present this Sunday morning as Bradford's Centenary Square came to a standstill at 11.00am to allow those gathered to pay their respects, pause and reflect on the tragic events of 29 years ago.





The City Hall flag flew at half-mast as a gathering of civic dignitaries and the public joined together at the memorial sculpture in the square.





Bantams boss Phil Parkinson read from the first chapter of the Gospel of John, while the Reverend Canon Sam Corley of Bradford Cathedral also addressed the crowd.





Club chaplain, the Reverend Andy Greiff, led the service, which also included the reading of prayers, a rendition of 'Abide with Me', and a minute's silence for the victims of the tragedy.





In keeping with tradition, wreaths were laid by the memorial sculpture as well.





The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Khadim Hussain, laid a wreath on behalf of the city and district.





The Mayor of Lincoln, club representatives from Bradford City, family members of the supporters lost in the tragedy, officers from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, plus directors and players from Bradford Bulls, also placed down wreaths.





On May 11, 1985, tragedy struck when Bradford City played Lincoln City. Shortly before half-time a blaze engulfed the main stand. 54 Bradford supporters lost their lives along with 2 fans of Lincoln on that horrific day.





City fans are invited throughout today to leave floral and/or other tributes by the Valley Parade fire memorial, which is situated just to the right hand side of the main entrance to the JCT600 Main Stand.







