Party organised by The Swan in West Malling and attended by Love Island and Ex On The Beach stars investigated by police over Covid-19 breaches
14:05, 01 September 2020
updated: 16:42, 01 September 2020
Police are investigating after pictures emerged online of hundreds of people including reality stars attending a Bank Holiday party.
The event organised by The Swan at West Malling took place at the "Wings of the field" in London Road, Wrotham between 1pm and 8.30pm yesterday.
The Swan at West Malling held the event which hosted reality stars and others from Kent
Videos on social media showed Love Island winner Jack Fincham, of Swanley , with friends at the packed out party.
Youssef Hassane, from Chatham, starred on reality show Ex on The Beach and also shared several videos from the gathering.
On one he wrote: "All like minded people loving life and not a single mask in sight."
It's led to a backlash of criticism from people in the county for its lack of social distancing and now Kent Police and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council are investigating the event.
The local authority, which granted permission for the event, said rules were breached.
A statement from the council said: “The event details and risk assessment shared with us and Kent Police did not give rise to concerns.
“Media coverage of the event, however, does indicate that the measures agreed were not followed and that rules were breached.
"We are now working closely with Kent Police who are leading on the investigation and will be taking appropriate action.”
Police confirmed patrols attended the party to "remind people about social distancing".
Spokesman Andy Saunders said: "We were aware of an event held in a marquee in Wrotham on Monday which had permission to take place under a Temporary Event Notice.
"During the event, patrols attended the venue to remind people about social distancing advice and encourage them to adhere to Covid-19 regulations.
"Photos and videos on social media have since emerged which appear to show that a number of attendees had breached the regulations and inquiries into the matter are ongoing."
The "social" event cost people £120 per person and claimed it would be following social distancing guidelines.
Prior to the event The Swan said: "We have decided to say farewell to this extraordinary summer by holding a slightly different Swan Social.
"Tonbridge and Malling council have given us the go ahead to host a socially acceptable soiree on Monday August 31, from 1pm until 8.30pm.
"Your tables will be positioned two metres apart and you will be allowed to dance at your tables only. There won't be a dance floor and we ask that you don't form the conga at any point.
"We will be adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and expect everyone joining us to do the same, if our rules are followed we will stay healthy and safe."
Sarah Richards complained to police, saying: "Please tell me how this is allowed and yet my lovely friends who have wanted to get married for two years have had to postpone their wedding twice this year as they can't have more than 30 guests?"
While other brides to be in Kent have fumed about the bar's event during a pandemic which has seen them forced to postpone their weddings.
The Swan has been approached for comment.
