THOUSANDS of people flocked to Oxford city centre to welcome back May Morning in spectacular fashion, after two years of virtual events.
Bolstered by falling on a Sunday and during a Bank Holiday weekend, 12,500 people turned out for the celebrations.
READ ALSO: Thousands attend May Morning as event returns to Oxford in 2022
The tradition, which stretches back more than 500 years, saw a huge gathering outside Magdalen College to hear the bells and choristers from the Great Tower, at 6am.
Crowds had already congregated for at least an hour before, with Morris dancing and folk singing then taking place across the city centre, in High Street, Radcliffe Square, Broad Street and by the Bridge of Sighs.
Junior Williamson made the trip all the way from Banbury, and was thrilled by May Morning’s return following the pandemic.
He said: “I think it’s good we can all get together and soak up the atmosphere, it’s good to get here and listen to the choir do its thing.
“Given the pandemic, it’s good to have something to do, and get back to the old routine and have fun.
“It’s one of the cool things where you’ve got students, residents and tourists – there’s very little town versus gown.”
Up bright and early for one of Oxford’s oldest traditions: May morning. Large crowds already gathering at Magdalen College pic.twitter.com/esRqnzvW8R
— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) May 1, 2022
For east Oxford husband and wife Brendan and Kelly Flaherty, the occasion was extra special as Mrs Flaherty is due to give birth later this month.
She said: “I love the May weekend and the fact it’s on a Sunday made it easier to come, we watched it online last year and there was that feeling of connection.
“I’m due later this month, so it’s very special for us.”
Wolfson College student Celia Hanna had a first May Morning to remember, after being invited to be ‘Maid of the Mill’ by dancers from Eynsham Morris.
The 23-year-old biology PhD student said: “I was surprised but it was good fun, there were very friendly.
“I wasn’t expecting this, but it was definitely worth getting up at half five. I’ll remember this for a long time.”
Helen Pike, master at Magdalen College School, said: “It was overwhelming to see and hear such a large and joyful crowd.
“Our choristers were in exceptionally strong voice and the conditions were perfect.
“It’s wonderful to be back and it’s a phenomenal perk of my job to be there.”
Keeping people going during the morning was St Aldate’s Church, which gave out 700 bacon sandwiches and vegetarian burgers, plus tea and coffee, free of charge.
Emily Berry, student pastor at the church, said: “It’s a great opportunity to bless and love the city, and celebrate May Morning as it’s been a couple of years.
“It’s been lovely for people to come down and get some free food but also, to talk to people too.”
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