Oxford's May Day morning: Thousands attend celebrations

About 6,000 people have taken part in Oxford's May Day morning tradition of celebrating the coming of spring.

Security guards and low river level warnings were put in place to ensure no-one jumped from Magdalen Bridge for the third year running.

In the past revellers have been hurt taking part in the practice.

People gathered from 06:00 BST to listen to Hymnus Eucharisticus being sung from Magdalen College tower.

The hymn was composed in the 17th Century by a fellow of Magdalen and has been sung every year from the tower on the first morning of May.

'Unique event'

It was the third year Magdalen Bridge was opened to pedestrians after being closed for the previous five.

Choristers sang from Magdalen College tower as the sun came up

The route was closed to traffic but has since been reopened.

The number of revellers was up on last year after poor weather put many people off.

Ceri Gorton, cultural development manager at Oxford City Council, said: "We are pleased with how the event went today.

"Our security team did a great job throughout the morning and it was great to see... people celebrating the start of spring at this unique and traditional Oxford event."