Oxford May Morning

How it began

Magdalen’s Great Tower was completed in the early 16th century, and singing from its top on May Morning has been a tradition for around five centuries, although its exact origins are uncertain. The hymn now sung was written by Benjamin Rogers, a Fellow of the college, in the 17th century. Over time the city wrapped its own celebrations around the music, reviving morris dancing and turning the morning into a festival of spring. Jumping off Magdalen Bridge became a student custom, but the river is shallow and people have been badly hurt, so it is strongly discouraged.

What happens on the day

Crowds start gathering from around 5am. On the stroke of six, the choir of Magdalen College sings the 17th-century Hymnus Eucharisticus from the top of the tower, followed by other pieces, and then the Oxford Society of Change Ringers sets the bells pealing for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, morris sides dance in the streets and squares of the city centre, folk musicians play, and many pubs and cafés open unusually early. In 2026 around 18,500 people turned out, so expect a big, good-natured crowd, many of them students who have been up all night.

Tips for the day

Get there by 5.30am for a decent spot on the High Street or bridge. Stewards run one-way channels on the bridge and close it once it is full, so follow their directions and don’t stop in the channels. Accessible viewing areas for wheelchair users, families with young children and buggies are provided at Magdalen College School car park and on Rose Lane. Dress warmly, as dawn can be chilly even in May.

Finding a spot

This is a performance to listen to, not just a gathering to photograph. Magdalen’s account confirms the choir sings from the Great Tower, including Benjamin Rogers’ hymn among other pieces, so you don’t need a close view of any one singer to share the moment. Once you’re in a permitted viewing area, give the music a chance and save the chat for afterwards. A phone held aloft rarely improves things for the person behind you.

Don’t pick somebody else’s spot on the bridge as your meeting point. The council’s arrangements separate areas where people can stop from channels that must keep moving, and entry can be halted once capacity is reached. Agree a reunion point outside the event space before your group splits up. If stewards send you to another viewing area, go with it rather than battling against the flow for a particular photo.

The choir ceremony and the city’s entertainment are two different experiences. You might prefer the brief dawn music, the later dancing, or both. Choose accordingly; once the bells start, staying put beside the tower isn’t the only way to enjoy the morning.

Questions people ask

Where it is

The pin shows the approximate area. Open in OpenStreetMap