Thousands revel in May Morning sunrise celebrations
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Ethan Gudge
South of England
More than 16,000 people gathered in Oxford for May Morning in 2025
Thousands of revellers have taken to the streets of Oxford to welcome the coming of summer, as part of the city's annual May Morning celebrations.
The May Day tradition dates back more than 500 years, and sees crowds of early risers line Magdalen Bridge and the city's High Street around Magdalen Tower.
From atop the tower, the Magdalen College Choir filled the air with their rendition of the latin composition Hymnus Eucharisticus shortly after the bells chimed 06:00 BST.
Following the choir's four-song performance, revellers disperse around the city centre - which is filled with morris dancers, folk singers and people in unconventional costumes.
This year, the choir's performance concluded with the 1930s American classic Over The Rainbow.
Following that, the bells of Magdalen Tower then rang out again over Oxford for 20 minutes as the crowds below cheered.
Ahead of this year's May Morning, the BBC went inside a Magdalen College Choir rehearsal
Celebrations then continued across the city, with pubs and cafes given special dispensation to open early to refuel the early risers - and reinvigorate those attempting to complete an infamous undergraduate all-nighter associated with the event.
In previous years students would also undress and jump into the shallow River Cherwell from Magdalen Bridge, but this was stopped in 2005 when 40 revellers required treatment after jumping into 2ft (60cm) deep water.
The origins of Oxford's May Morning celebrations are sketchy, but many believe it dates to the time Magdalen tower was built and the college chose to sing in spring.
A road closure is in place from The Plain junction to the top of the High Street until about 09:00 BST, with signposts for diversions and alternative cycling routes.
Crowd management systems were also introduced on Magdalen Bridge, with one-way channels enabling the crowd to flow during and immediately after the event.
More on this story
'Singing on May Morning is the highlight of our year'
Thousands of early risers celebrate May Morning
Related internet links
Magdalen College
Oxford City Council
Oxford