May Morning in Oxford

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May Morning in Oxford is a traditional celebration of the coming of Spring and brings together Oxford's communities to enjoy dancing, singing and revelry from around the city. May Morning is celebrated on 1 May.

The celebrations this year started at 6am on Tuesday 1 May 2012 with the choristers of Magdalen College choir singing Hymnus Eucharisticus from the Great Tower. 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.

This year Magdalen Bridge was open to pedestrians and closed to traffic from 3.30am until 9am to enable everyone to enjoy the singing in comfort and safety. The bridge re-opened to traffic as soon as it was safe to do so between 8.30am and 9am.

There were 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 were open for breakfasts including eateries in the city centre, Jericho and East Oxford. There were also food and activities at city centre cultural venues including The Ashmolean Museum and the Oxford Castle.

May Day Fun in Oxford, but Don't Break Your Leg

May Morning Events

A full list of events for 2013 will be available closer to the event.

Transport

This year Magdalen Bridge was open to pedestrians and closed to traffic from 3.30am until 9am to enable everyone to enjoy the singing in comfort and safety. The bridge re-opened to traffic as soon as it was safe to do so between 8.30am and 9am.

The Oxford Bus Company website and Stagecoach website had information about bus diversions.

Organiser Quotes

Rachel Capell, City Events and International Links Officer at Oxford City Council, says: "Once again we are opening up the city so everyone can take part in the event together, in a safe and enjoyable environment.

"Last year we held a successful event and our aim this year is to support and promote all the activities and events taking place across the city for the people of Oxford to enjoy together.

"For many years, Magdalen Bridge, has been a focus of attention and we want to celebrate the whole city and everything that is traditional about May Morning.  May Morning has always been led by the people of Oxford and is about everyone joining in the fun."

Oxford City Council are working together again with the support of Simon Chatterton, the event producer responsible for the city’s Luminox event in Broad Street. We are also working closely with a Steering Group to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment.

Councillor Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council, says: “May Morning in Oxford is one of those very special local traditions that goes back many years and brings Town and Gown together for a few hours of fun - especially if the weather is kind!

"Last year, the morning was very successfully managed through close co-operation between the City Council, Thames Valley Police, South Central Ambulance Service and Oxfordshire County Council and our aim is to do the same this year.

"I am pleased that last year everyone respected the decision to open Magdalen Bridge with new safety measures in place and I hope that May 1 2012 will be equally enjoyable."

Det Ch Insp Paul Hayles, from Thames Valley Police, says: "Thames Valley Police supports the decision taken by the council to re-open Magdalen Bridge to the public for this year's May Morning celebrations, and will work closely with our partners to ensure this is done in a safe way.

"I would urge people to recognise this decision has been made to further their enjoyment of this unique celebration, and not to abuse it."

Aubrey Bell, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust's Area Manager for Oxfordshire, says: "Your local ambulance service wants you to enjoy the family events in Oxford on May Day safely.  

"Please spare a thought for patients who may be suffering life threatening medical emergencies in the city by drinking responsibly on the day to help to ensure ambulance resources are available for those people who may genuinely need them."

Page last reviewed 24 May 2012