May 11, 2018 12.41 pm This story is over 70 months old

Imps commemorate Bradford fire disaster

Lincoln City pay tribute to Bradford fire victims

Staff at Lincoln City commemorated the Bradford fire disaster by laying a wreath in memory of the 56 who died in the tragic event of 1985.

Today, May 11, marks the 33rd anniversary of when 56 supporters lost their lives in a fire during a match between Bradford City and Lincoln City at Valley Parade.

Photo: Lincoln City FC

Lincoln City chairman Bob Dorrian with Trevor Swinburne and Chris Ashton about to lay a wreath in memory of those who died in the Bradford fire of 1985. Photo: Lincoln City FC

Shortly before half-time on May 11, 1985 a blaze engulfed the main stand, with 54 Bradford supporters and two from Lincoln – Imps directors Bill Stacey and Jim West – tragically dying.

Over 250 people were also injured in the fire.

Photo: Lincoln City FC

In Lincoln’s final regular league game of the season against Yeovil on Saturday, May 5, Imps chairman Bob Dorrian, along with Trevor Swinburne and Chris Ashton, laid a wreath in front of the Stacey West Stand, which is named after the two who died in the fire.

Lincoln City chairman Bob Dorrian laying a wreath in front of the Stacey West Stand, which is named after Imps directors Bill Stacey and Jim West, who tragically died in the Bradford fire. Photo: Lincoln City FC