May Morning is one of Oxford’s most cherished and long-standing traditions, celebrated annually on the 1st of May. The event begins at dawn, with thousands of people gathering on Magdalen Bridge to hear the Magdalen College Choir sing from the top of Magdalen Tower, a tradition that dates back over 500 years. The choir performs a hymn known as the Hymnus Eucharisticus, followed by traditional madrigals.
After the singing, the city bursts into celebration, with street performances, Morris dancing, and live music filling the streets of central Oxford. Many people stay up all night to enjoy the festivities, and there is a lively atmosphere as the city comes together to welcome the start of summer.
Historically, some revellers have jumped into the River Cherwell from Magdalen Bridge, although this practice is now discouraged due to safety concerns. Despite this, May Morning remains one of the most vibrant and beloved events in Oxford, blending music, tradition, and community spirit.
The celebration draws both locals and tourists, and the event’s combination of history and festivities makes it a unique part of Oxford’s cultural heritage.
A (Very) Short History of Oxford's May Morning
The May Morning celebration in Oxford dates back to the early 16th century and is steeped in the city’s long history of academic and religious tradition. The focal point of the event is the Magdalen College Choir, which has been singing from the top of Magdalen Tower at dawn on May 1st for over 500 years. The choir performs a hymn of thanksgiving, Hymnus Eucharisticus, followed by traditional madrigals, celebrating the arrival of spring and the renewal of life.
The roots of May Morning lie in the ancient pagan festival of Beltane, which celebrated fertility and the coming of summer. Over time, this evolved into a more Christianised celebration of May Day across England, blending pagan and religious traditions. In Oxford, this evolved uniquely, with the addition of academic and local customs.
By the 19th century, the event had developed into a more widespread community celebration. The tradition of jumping from Magdalen Bridge into the River Cherwell emerged in the 20th century, although this is no longer encouraged for safety reasons.
How to Attend May Morning
The celebration starts just before 6 a.m., when the Magdalen College Choir sings from Magdalen Tower. Thousands of people gather on Magdalen Bridge and nearby streets, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a good spot. Many people come as early as 5 a.m., and some even stay up all night enjoying the pre-celebration festivities in the city’s pubs and bars.
The most traditional and central place to experience the choir’s singing is from Magdalen Bridge. The bridge is closed to traffic for the event, creating a safe, pedestrian-only space for crowds to gather.
Even though May marks the start of summer, the early morning can be chilly, so dressing in warm layers is recommended.
Lyrics to the Hymnus Eucharisticus
Te Deum Patrem colimus,
Te laudibus prosequimur,
qui corpus cibo reficis,
coelesti mentem gratia.
Te adoramus, O Jesu,
Te, Fili unigenite,
Te, qui non dedignatus es
subire claustra Virginis.
Actus in crucem, factus es
irato Deo victima
per te, Salvator unice
vitae spes nobis rediit.
Tibi, aeterne Spiritus
cuius afflatu peperit
infantem Deum Maria,
aeternum benedicimus.
Triune Deus, hominum
salutis auctor optime,
immensum hoc mysterium
ovante lingua canimus.
We worship you, O God the Father,
we offer you our praise,
for you nourish our bodies,
and minds with heavenly grace.
We adore you, O Jesus,
you, the only begotten Son,
you, who did not disdain
to submit to birth in the Virgin’s womb.
Driven onto the cross, you were made
the victim of God’s wrath.
Through you, our only Saviour,
hope of life returned to us.
To you, Eternal Spirit
by whose breath was born
by Mary the Infant God,
be our eternal blessings.
Triune God, of all humanity
the great author of salvation,
this immense mystery
our tongues all cheer and sing.
Post-Choir Festivities
After the choir performance, the city comes alive with a variety of activities. There are Morris dancers, street musicians, and performers in various parts of the city, especially around Radcliffe Square, High Street, and Broad Street. Local cafes and restaurants often open early for breakfast and refreshments.
In the past, some people jumped off Magdalen Bridge into the River Cherwell, but this practice is now discouraged due to safety concerns. Enjoy the event safely by observing from the bridge or nearby vantage points.
