THOUSANDS of people are expected to descend on Oxford city centre for this year's May Morning.

Crowds will gather along High Street and Magdalen Bridge at 6am on May 1 to listen to choristers sing the Hymnus Eucharisticus from atop Magdalen College’s Great Tower.

Composed in the 17th century by a fellow of Magdalen College, the Hymnus Eucharisticus has been sung every year on May Morning ever since.

The Great Tower’s bells will ring out for around 20 minutes and people will take part in events and activities around the city including Morris dancing and folk singing.

The event marks the coming of spring and has been held in Oxford for more than 500 years.

Last year’s party saw 12,000 people attend while a record-breaking 27,000 people witnessed the singing in 2017.

Oxford Mail:

With thousands due to go this year, a crowd management system will be in place like last year.

There will be one-way lanes on Magdalen Bridge to enable crowds to flow during and after the event.

People will not be able to stop in the lanes and stewards and signs will be in place to direct people to areas where they can stop and view the event.

Paula Redway, Oxford City Council’s cultural development manager, said: "As the sun begins to rise, thousands of people stretched across Magdalen Bridge fall silent, gaze upwards and listen to the choristers atop the college’s Great Tower. It really is a magical moment and absolutely unique to Oxford.

“We ask that those who did not attend last year’s event make themselves aware of the plans and follow instructions on the day.”

Bikes will not be allowed to cross the bridge and there will be designated areas for wheelchair users, families with young children and those with buggies, in Magdalen College School car park.