CHILDREN from a Basingstoke infant school got a festive treat from shopping centre managers as an apology.

Pupils from Hatch Warren Infant School, in Gershwin Road, went to watch The Grinch at Vue cinema in Festival Place and also visited Santa’s Grotto last week.

The trip had been put on by Festival Place as a way of saying sorry following its Christmas lights switch-on chaos last month.

The event, on November 16, hit the national news after hundreds of people took to social media to complain about it.

Angry shoppers slammed the organisers for not coping with the large crowds; the event’s lack of festiveness after an owl was switched on rather than a Christmas tree; and the failure of glow wrist bands, 10 of which were meant to light up for the owners to win £100 vouchers, which malfunctioned.

Parents of Hatch Warren Infant School children were also furious after their children had rehearsed a routine to perform in a parade at the event, but weren’t able to take part because it was too busy.

Parents described children left crying and disappointed following the fiasco.

But Hatch Warren Infant School headteacher Michelle Moore said the shopping centre “worked quickly” to address the concerns.

She added: “The children were excited to be invited to Festival Place’s Christmas Parade.

“The concept was fantastic but unfortunately on the night things didn’t go to plan and this was disappointing for the children and their families.

“Festival Place worked quickly to liaise with the school to address the concerns and they have put in a place a fantastic package as a way of saying sorry to the children.

“The whole school visited the cinema to see The Grinch and they will paid a visit to Father Christmas.

“As a school we are really pleased that Festival Place have made this amazing gesture and we know that the children will have a magical time.”