May Morning in Oxford’s historic centre is a traditional celebration of the coming of Spring with dancing, singing and revelry of many different types – some going back into history and some with a more modern character.

Celebrations start at 6am with the choristers of Magdalen College choir singing the Hymnus Eucharisticus from the Great Tower. The Hymnus Eucharisticus was composed in the 17th century by a Fellow of Magdalen and has been sung every year from the Great Tower on May Morning at this early hour as the sun comes up. The bells then ring out over the city for approximately 20 minutes.

This year Magdalen Bridge will be open to pedestrians and closed to traffic from 3am until 9am to enable everyone to enjoy the singing in comfort and safety. The bridge will re-open to traffic as soon as it is safe to do so.

There will also be May Morning events and activities taking place across the city including Morris Men dancing in Radcliffe Square, Catte Street and Broad Street.

Many bars and restaurants across the city will open for breakfasts.