Thousands revel in May Morning sunrise celebrations

Thousands of revellers have taken to the streets of Oxford to welcome the coming of spring, 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 at 06:00 BST.

A crowd of about 18,500 people, stretching from High Street to the Plain Roundabout, gathered in the sunshine to listen to the choir.

This year, the choir's four-song performance concluded with the 1930s American classic Over The Rainbow.

Morris dancing and folk singing then got under way across the city as the bell of the tower rang out as the crowds below cheered.

Paula Redway, culture and community development manager at Oxford City Council, said: "Once again, today was another wonderful morning seeing thousands of residents and visitors celebrating the arrival of spring together.

"Thank you to everyone who attended, and to all those who helped to deliver the event and make it the vibrant and unique experience we all value so highly."

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.