Australia- A major Australian sex exhibition on Thursday defended its decision to open as the country marks Remembrance Day and the armistice that ended World War I.

David Ross, founder of Sexpo, said it had as much right as any other to mark the day and promised to let veterans or present members of the armed forces in for free if they wore medals or uniform, waiving the normal A$20 ($15) entrance fee.

“Our event was scheduled to open at 11:00am on the 11th of the 11th, and we feel it’s entirely appropriate for us to pay our respects just like everyone else,” Ross said.

“We’re quite genuine about this. We’re also happy to have RSL collectors on site,” referring to Australia’s Returned and Services League, which regularly sells poppies and other memorabilia and raises funds for veterans’ welfare.

Sexpo organisers said they would go ahead with a tribute to veterans including a minute’s silence and a bugler playing the last post.

Veterans and community groups had criticised the timing as inappropriate. A spokesman said that as the event was timed to open on November 11 organisers had cancelled the normal style of opening, which would have featured porn stars.

Sexpo organisers claim it is the biggest adult lifestyle exhibition of its type in the world, having started in 1996.

They predict a record crowd of 70 000 this year at Sexpo, which runs until Sunday.