REVELLERS have been urged to “take responsibility for their own safety” at May Morning celebrations.

Magdalen Bridge will be open for the first time since 2005 to allow residents to enjoy the traditional festival.

An expanded programme of events has also been planned across the city centre.

But Oxford City Council, which is organising the celebrations, said people need to be responsible and not put themselves at risk by jumping into the river.

Earlier this week, the Oxford Mail revealed the river was dangerously low after below-average rainfall and firefighters warned anyone jumping could kill themselves.

Our reporter measured the water at less than 20in in some places.

The council’s head of policy, culture and communications Peter McQuitty said: “The council is putting arrangements in place to make sure people can have a good time, get on to the bridge and keep safe. But people need to take responsibility for themselves.”

In 2005, 40 people were injured after jumping from the bridge, prompting its closure in recent years.

But tomorrow the bridge will be open from 3.30am to allow people to gather for the traditional singing of Hymnus Eucharisticus from Magdalen College’s Great Tower.

Although 60 stewards will be on duty, the council said they cannot prevent determined jumpers from hurling themselves into the River Cherwell.

A high-profile police presence will also be there to tackle drunken antics along with teams of paramedics and two ambulances. But the council hopes special events across the city will draw the focus away from the bridge as the morning progresses.

The celebrations start at 6am with the choristers of Magdalen College choir singing from the Great Tower.

Events across the city centre and East Oxford will then carry on the celebration.

Early performances include musicians the Horns of Plenty and the Hurly Burly Whirly Early-in-the-Morning Band along with Morris dancers performing in Radcliffe Square, Catte Street, Broad Street and Oxford Castle.

At 10am the Ashmolean Museum will host a May Morning breakfast.

Museum sokesman Susie Gault said: “There will be Morris dancing on the forecourt and the dining room will serve breakfast which, if the sun is shining, people can enjoy on our rooftop terrace.”

From 10am, the grounds of Oxford Castle will be alive with organ grinders, Morris dancers and folk musicians.

Oxford Castle – Unlocked opens at 11am with costumed guided tours.

Children’s activities in Oxford Castle’s Prison Galley include May Day garlands, flowers and spring baskets.