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Event hosted by Banks in Maidstone and attended by DJ Darius Syrossian, reviewed by Kent Police

10:21, 15 September 2020

updated: 14:15, 15 September 2020

An event held at a Maidstone bar is being reviewed by Kent Police, after videos circulated on social media, which appeared to show that party-goers 'may have breached' coronavirus regulations.

Banks, on Bank Street, issued information beforehand about the outdoor Dance on Arrival event on Saturday, asking people to respect social distancing, and telling guests they are allowed to dance around their table in their bubble.

Watch: Videos on social media appeared to show guests breached coronavirus restrictions

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@danceonarrival

A post shared by BanksMaidstone (@banks_maidstone) on

DJ Darius Syrossian, who played that evening, shared a video on Instagram, which showed people dancing in groups. Despite the high numbers, The area is not full and there are spaces between groups. There is no suggestion of any wrong doing on Mr Syrossian's part.

However, a video taken later in the evening, and shared on the Banks Instagram page, with a different DJ, shows a much higher number sitting at tables, apparently packed into the area.

The police have now stepped in.

Inspector Mark Hedges of Maidstone’s Community Safety Unit said: "Kent Police has been made aware of an event held at a licensed premises in Bank Street, Maidstone.

"Videos have been placed on social media which appear to show that a number of attendees may have breached the Covid-19 regulations.

Watch: DJ Darius Syrossian shared a video from earlier on in the day

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Maidstone

A post shared by Darius Syrossian (@darius_syrossian) on

"We are currently completing a review of the event and have been in contact with owner of the premises."

The event has attracted negative attention online, with many brides-to-be frustrated that events like this can go ahead, but weddings with more than 30 people are still banned.

Weddings are exempt from the rule, enforced yesterday, banning people from meeting in groups of more than six.

Lauren Baker, 27, was due to marry her fiancé Ollie Jay, 30, in May at Cooling Castle, Rochester, but her big day has now been postponed until December.

Miss Baker, from Bromley, says she is sick of seeing events, such as the one hosted by Banks, go ahead, when under the current guidelines, her dad can't even walk her down the aisle, as they are part of a different household, and her bridesmaids would have to wear masks.

Lauren Baker and her fiancé Ollie Jay were due to get married in May
Lauren Baker and her fiancé Ollie Jay were due to get married in May

Miss Baker's own mum and step dad went to hospital with coronavirus, but are thankfully fine now.

She said: "It's been absolutely heart-breaking seeing family members go to hospital and seeing how it effects people. This is just another event that happened that everyone can see, everyone can witness. It's just not fair.

"I almost don't blame the people who are going to the event, I blame the company that hosts it. They know what's going to happen, they have security but it's allowed to get out of control."

The Southerneastern worker says she has spoken to about 30 brides-to-be and people who work in the wedding industry about problems caused by the pandemic, such as venues closing down. She says ten people alone contacted her about the Banks bar event.

Banks in Maidstone
Banks in Maidstone

Outlining important information for Dance on Arrival on social media, Banks said there would be "strictly no moving tables" and groups must arrive together.

Earlier this month, an event organised by The Swan in West Malling was investigated by police , after concerns were raised on social media over social distancing.

The party, held in Wrotham, was attended by Love Island star Jack Fincham and Youssef Hassane, who appeared on reality show Ex On The Beach. Police have since confirmed no further action will be taken over the controversial party.

Banks has been approached for comment.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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