A UK town has been branded "disrespectful" for turning on its Christmas lights before October is even over.
The Cornish town has been split down the middle over the decision to turn on the lights tonight, while poppies are being sold ahead of Remembrance Sunday - a day supposed to be one of sombre reflection.
One resident demanded the lights be turned off on November 11 and Remembrance Sunday.
The decision which has set tongues wagging was made by the St Ives Business Improvement District (BID) after a request by organisers of the annual festivities.
Their aim, it seems, was to lift the spirits in the historic seaside town, popular with surfers and holidaymakers, at a time of doom and gloom for the nation amid the pandemic.
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According to CornwallLive, a vast majority of people commenting on the news seem to think the idea is in bad taste.
Paje Susini was the first to point out the controversy, saying: “Too early! And I hope they’re turned off on 11/11 and Remembrance Sunday as a mark of respect.”
Michael Hookway agreed saying he found it disrespectful to those who never had the chance to come home to celebrate Christmas.
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He said: “I always think it is disrespectful to put up or turn on Christmas decorations before Remembrance Sunday, as some never came home to celebrate Christmas, but that is just me.”
Janet Amsden agreed: “I feel the same let’s show some respect to those who lost their lives then we can celebrate."
Veronica Hearn added: "It should be December 1st, at the beginning of Advent. Poppy Day should be the focus at the moment."
Margaret Askew was all for early celebrations but agreed that they should go up after Remembrance Sunday. She said: “I'm putting mine up after remembrance Sunday, and I don't give a t**s what people think.
“I love a good Christmas tree fully decorated. It has a cheery glow about it. And God knows we need something to make us feel cheerful.”
There are those, however, who expressed the view that celebrating Christmas and honouring veterans are not mutually exclusive and we should be doing more to lift people’s spirits.
Alice Gray said she understood people’s concerns but that due to “circumstances” she believes it is a lovely idea for the kids this year. "I think just for one year this will be okay and I think anyone who fought in the war would be happy about it if it made our children happy,” she said.
Chrissie Arkell replied to somebody criticising the decision. She said: "I can definitely see your point but Christmas is a time for forgiveness, a time for family and friends, a time for joy and peace.
"Even the war stopped on Christmas Day for a game of football. People need their spirits lifting, we’ve had such a terrible year with many people losing loved ones. A bit of Christmas cheer (early for this year) might just be healing thing for some. Stay safe."
But it wasn’t just people up in arms over whether it was disrespectful to those who had lost their lives in the war who thought the display was inappropriate.
Others were concerned that such a display would cause people to flock to the town provoking a coronavirus spike – even though organisers encouraged people to stay away and watch he switch on virtually.
Ian Bailey, said: "It's October. This is only going to encourage a spike. Imagine people who have lost family to the virus and to do this before Remembrance Sunday is shocking. I really do not understand the mentality of this."
Others said that irregardless of anything happening in the world, it was still too early for Christmas celebrations.
Lucy Hammonds, said: "It's too early. Christmas is in December. The beginning of the month is fine but not October and November. Sorry but what is going on? Every year it seems to get earlier and earlier. "
Holly Smith was one of a few that said it was a “wonderful” idea. Mary Clare De Pentheny added: “Anything positive that cheers people up is great.”
"Well this bunch are full of cheers," said Justine Russell. "Negative comments all the bloody time. Why don't people just cheer up and go with it.
"Once in all the years anyone's been on this Earth are Christmas lights going on early. Just chill out and let it be, kids will love it and its will brighten the place up."
The town BID gave the go ahead in St Ives after people were saddened to hear Santa would not be arriving by lifeboat this year - an event that hundreds turn out to see each year.
Organisers confirmed that the town would be lit up tonight - October 28 between 6pm and 7pm.
The announcement said: "As he is very old, Father Christmas has to keep at a distance this year and will not be able to arrive by lifeboat, but to cheer everyone up he has given permission for St Ives BID to put the Christmas lights on early from 28th October.
"He will be carrying out his important Santa duties in secret hours to avoid contact.
"Elves will be running a Christmas Window dressing competition based on the 12 days of Christmas and shops are going to be open late night every Thursday from 19th November until the big day.
"NHS workers, carers, shop workers and many other people locally have gone above and beyond, helping the community throughout this difficult year."
In previous years, the annual event has seen hundreds come to the town to see the switch-on which will now be hosted virtually between 6pm and 7pm on Wednesday, October 28, to aid with social distancing.
This year organisers are encouraging people to tune in via the St Ives in December Facebook page.
