THE BIGGEST May Morning celebrations for years passed without incident thanks to a major security clampdown.

More than 18,000 people gathered on and around Magdalen Bridge to hear the Magdalen College choir at 6am.

It was the first time the bridge had been open since 2005, when 40 people were injured jumping from the bridge into shallow water.

There were fears of some trouble because of all-night drinking, with May 1 falling on a Sunday. But those with any thoughts of jumping this year were deterred by two lines of fencing and teams of security.

The operation, led by Oxford City Council, even included a security “spotter” on a neighbouring rooftop to flag up any signs of trouble.

Council leader Bob Price said: “The security arrangements worked well. People who came to enjoy themselves have enjoyed themselves. There were a small number of people who still wanted to endanger their lives, but security was in place to stop them.”

Last week, the Oxford Mail revealed the river was dangerously low after the driest March in 60 years. Firefighters warned jumpers could seriously injure themselves.

Oxford Police Commander Supt Amanda Pearson said: “We are really pleased that we had more people than we’ve had for many years, about 18,000, and all of them enjoyed themselves, behaved themselves and were safe.

“We had a big operation overnight and made six arrests, but that is not unusual for the average Friday or Saturday night.

“It shows all the communication beforehand worked. The focus this year was on the music rather than on the bridge.”

Maria Langler, operations manager at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted that all the systems we put in place have worked.

“We have had seven incidents today, but they have all been relatively minor. One cyclist was taken to the JR in a car accident, but that could have happened on any day.”

Only student Matthew Dawe, 18, from Wantage, tried to break past security and jump. He said: “It is tradition. The council telling me I could injure myself doesn’t phase me. I really believe the bridge should be open for everyone to jump.”

Others just enjoyed the atmosphere.

Beverley Oakley from Merton was celebrating her 60th birthday with daughter Natalie Oakley, 32, and two homemade bonnets. She said: “We haven’t been here for a long time, I think we were last here for my 50th.”

Carolyn Townsend, 30, from London, was celebrating her hen party with four friends and said it was the end of a very long night.

She said: “It has been a really nice thing to do. My friend Penny went to Oxford Brookes so told us all about it.

“It all seems very Oxford.”

Psychology student Laura Campbell, 20, said: “I’m in my third year now and this is just something you have to do at least once in this city.

“It’s nice to get a bit of culture in amongst the alcohol. And the atmosphere is fantastic.”