16,500 people attend May Morning celebrations in Oxford
The event dates to the 17th century and is a unique Oxford tradition
About 16,500 people turned out to see in May Morning celebrations in Oxford today (1 May).
The event dates back more than 500 years and is a unique Oxford tradition to celebrate the coming of Spring.
The celebrations started at 6am with Magdalen College choir singing Hymnus Eucharisticus from the college’s Great Tower.
A crowd of about 16,500 people, stretching from High Street to the Plain Roundabout, gathered in the sunshine to listen to the choir.
Traditional events and activities, including Morris Dancing and folk singing, then took place across the city as the bell of the Great Tower rang out.
Celebrations will then continue across the day with more dancing, music, food and entertainment available.
Paula Redway, an organiser of the event said: “The tradition may date back over 500 years, but May Morning celebrations never get old!
“Today was another wonderful morning seeing thousands of residents and visitors celebrating the arrival of spring together.
“Thank you to everyone who attended, organised and helped us keep this tradition the vibrant and unique experience we all enjoy.”