THREE people were foiled as they attempted to jump from Magdalen Bridge as a crowd of up to 4,000 celebrated May Morning.

Pouring rain didn’t deter thousands lining the bridge to listen as Magdalen College choir sang the Hymnus Eucharisticus from the Great Tower at 6am.

Paul Rogers, from East Oxford, said he didn’t think twice about getting out of bed to wait in the downpour at 4.40am for the festivities to begin.

“Certainly not - I’ve been coming here for the past 10 to 15 years,” he said.

“This is the wettest one yet.

“Those that have today are determined, but people have been coming here for the past 500 years.

“It’s part of being an Oxfordian. It’s one of the traditions of Oxford we can all participate in."

Jennifer Yaxsley and Sarah Truby from Yarnton wore matching ponchos to brave the rain.

Miss Yaxsley said: “We are here most years, usually we go out and party all night but his year it’s a little bit different because it’s a week night.

“We haven’t had breakfast yet - the thought of a fry-up is keeping us going.”

Afifah Waseem from Botley was at her first May Morning.

She said: “I just wanted to see for myself how they celebrate May Morning.

“I got here 15 minutes ago at 5.30am - I think most of them are up all night, but I came from my bed and it was really difficult.”

Tight security meant three would-be jumpers were stopped in the tracks on the bridge, which has now been open for two years in a row after being shut amid safety concerns.