New film to mark Bradford fire tragedy anniversary

A new documentary marking the 40th anniversary of the Bradford City stadium fire, which claimed the lives of 56 people, will be released next year, the BBC has said.

The blaze broke out in one of the wooden stands at the club's Valley Parade ground on 11 May 1985 during a match between Bradford and Lincoln.

The new film, with a working title of Unforgotten: The Bradford City Fire, would feature the personal testimonies of those who were there, many of whom would be speaking for the first time, according to the BBC.

Jaimie D’Cruz, executive producer, said because the tragedy was in danger of fading from memory, it was a "privilege and a responsibility" to make the documentary.

It is believed the fire, which caused the deaths of 54 Bradford fans and two Lincoln fans, and which left more than 260 people injured, was caused by a discarded cigarette.

The stand where the fire broke out had been officially condemned and was due to be demolished and replaced with a steel structure.

The creators of the documentary said it would combine "extraordinary access" to the people who survived, as well as family members of the bereaved and members of the emergency crews who attended the scene.

The aim of the film was to celebrate "community, resilience and collective memory" and the strength of the human spirit in the wake of such devastation, they said.

Simon Young, BBC Head of Commissioning, History, said: “This film gets at the heart of a modern dilemma: in a world where everything is recorded on film, how do we sensitively remember and commemorate?"

"What should remain off limits? And how do we ensure that a tragedy is marked and the lessons learned for future generations?" he asked.

Mr Young said it was an "honour" to be working on the project with the people of Bradford "to ensure this anniversary is not forgotten".

Following the tragedy at Valley Parade, strict new safety standards were introduced in the country's football grounds and, as a result, many were modernised, while smoking was banned at all grounds with wooden stands.

Jaimie D’Cruz, from acme tv, making the film with the BBC, said: "The devastating fire at Valley Parade in May 1985 claimed 56 lives and had a huge impact on Bradford, on the nation and on the game of football itself.

"We’re incredibly grateful to the community and those who were directly affected by the tragedy who entrusted us to tell their stories."

The film was due to be released in May 2025, according to the BBC.

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