Santa’s arrival moved over Poppy Day clash furore

A Northern Ireland shopping centre has apologised after facing criticism for scheduling its annual Santa’s arrival event on Remembrance Sunday.

The event has now been moved to another date.

Management at Erneside Shopping Centre in Enniskillen had faced a public backlash on social media for arranging the event on the same day as the town will mark 100 years since the end of World War One. The 31st anniversary of the Poppy Day bomb in Enniskillen in which 12 people died will also be marked on Sunday.

The centre’s Facebook page was inundated with criticism from people saying the date chosen was both “disrespectful” and “shameful” given that many in the town would be honouring the centenary of Armistice Day and the loss of life in the 1987 IRA bombing.

In a statement, Erneside management initially said: “We apol- ogise deeply to all those that have been disappointed by the choice of date for Santa’s arrival.

“This was not a decision made lightly and was made following several requests from customers to move Santa’s arrival from the Saturday to the Sunday so that it could be less rushed and a more relaxing family day focused on their children’s enjoyment.

“Some requests also included parents of children with disabilities, learning difficulties and anxiety issues. We would like to remain respectful and mindful of everyone’s wishes and are looking at an alternative date.”

Management said that members of the Enniskillen branch of the Royal British Legion had no objection to Santa’s arrival being held on Remembrance Sunday, but in light of the public response they have since agreed to postpone the event until Friday, November 23.

John Jones, chairman of the Enniskillen Legion, told the Belfast Telegraph that the matter has now been resolved: “I have spoken with management who have agreed to move the event and there was never any intention to disrespect anyone.

“There was a problem which has now been sorted.”

Ulster Unionist MLA for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, Rosemary Barton (left), said she was pleased that Erneside management had rescheduled the event.

“I was shocked to see that Erneside were having Santa’s arrival on Remembrance Sunday. I recognise that the management had given previous consideration to the sensitivity of the situation,” she said.

“However I am pleased that they have now quickly decided to change the date and respect the sensitivities of many of its customers. Remembrance Sunday can now be honoured in its dignified manner.”