This memorial is located only yards from the Knife Angel sculpture, and it remembers one of the darker moments in the history of Bradford.
Saturday, 11 May 1985 started as a day of celebration for Bradford City football club, who were to play their final game of that season, and had started with them receiving the Third Division championship trophy. However during the match, tragedy struck, and was broadcast live on TV. A small wisp of smoke at one end of the stand soon turned to a blazing inferno, with the entire stand ablaze from end to end in less than four minutes. It is thought that a discarded cigarette set fire to debris below the seats and floor of the stand. 56 peolple died and around 265 were injured.
The stand was a wooden structure built in 1886, and was due to be demolised a few days after the season end in 1985 and replaced by a modern steel structure. Warnings to the club of the fire risk had been given by both the city council and the county council prior to the fire.
The memorial in this shot was erected in City Park, near the town hall. I like the way the names of those who died are recorded on and around the figures.
Beautiful shot. What a sad event it was. I have been follwoing (besides playing) eversince I started walking but do not remember hearing of this tragic incident.
Photo is beautifully capture. Fav
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
For me, this disaster is one that has remained clear in my mind. Some tragedies fade with time, but I find the horror of this one remains with me.
Ian
Thank you Vesna. I do find this memorial inspiring.
Ian