Football to mark 30th anniversary of Bradford City fire in April

A memorial located at the Valley Parade Stadium in Bradford

The Premier League and Football League will be marking the 30th anniversary of the Bradford City fire on 25 and 26 April.

A minute’s silence will precede all games during the weekend to remember the 56 people who died in the Valley Parade fire on 11 May 1985.

It is believed the fire was started by a lit cigarette dropped under the all-wooden stand.

The FA’s Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said: “This period of silence will give fans across the country the opportunity to remember the terrible events that occurred at Valley Parade back in 1985 and, in particular, the supporters of Bradford City and Lincoln City that lost their lives.

“The disaster’s impact continues to resonate within the Bradford community and within football and we must ensure that the lessons learned from it are never forgotten.”

The Premier League will also be fundraising for Bradford City’s chosen charity, the Bradford University Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU).

Co-chairman of Bradford City, Mark Lawn, said: “I am personally delighted that the FA, The Football League and Premier League have got involved. I would like to remind people that the PSBRU is solely reliant on charitable donations by the public, charitable organisations and businesses, and has no funding from the Government.”

A service of civic remembrance to remember the lives lost in the fire will take place in Centenary Square, Bradford, on 11 May.