Oxford’s May Morning celebrations have traditionally taken place from the top of Magdalen College Tower for centuries. Until recently. For the last two years we have had to experience it distantly and online. In 2022 the choir will sing live once more, welcoming people back to the city as they gather at the foot of the tower.
This year we want to celebrate with an especially festive event.
Making May Morning 2022 Special
May Morning as seen in previous years.
Magdalen Bridge, and its surroundings, is where people wait at dawn on 1st May for the choristers to sing Hymnus Eucharisticus, a 17th Century Latin hymn. In this significant year, we want to create an exciting and memorable experience for all visitors by harking back to bygone days when the bridge was decorated to welcome the spring.
Working with our local artists and creative communities, we want to present the very best of the city for everyone to enjoy with artworks and displays marking this special May Morning.
Coming Together
"Oxford May Morning" by Donald Judge licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
This May Morning Celebration takes place over a weekend when more people can take part and enjoy the experience. Because of its brief absence, some will be attending for the first time. Together we can create a welcome for everyone that will be memorable and joyous. This is an opportunity for local people to come together and celebrate. Everyone taking part in the campaign will be able to have their own souvenir of a unique May Day in Oxford.
Creating Opportunity
"May Morning in Oxford" by Dave Smith licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Oxford City Council are one of a team of organisations that help manage May Morning, ensuring it is safe and welcoming for everyone attending. This year the council would like to create opportunities for local artists, businesses and residents to have more active involvement and ownership of this traditional event.
Welcoming Spring
"May Morning in Oxford" by Ed Webster is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.
The past two years have been particularly harsh for many and it is events like May Day that bring us together, help us heal and make us stronger. May Morning spring celebrations make a return to sun, light and growth – the very things that cheer us and inspire us to look to the future.
Coming together, adding an extra level of celebration, and involving all our global communities will be a perfect welcome to the season.
Your Donations
Your Rewards
These unique designs, specially created for Oxford's May Morning will be printed on various items including t-shirts. Choose from the rewards menu to claim a favourite for your donation to the campaign.
Ref: MM01 (Dove design on blue) Ref: MM02 (Oxford Come Together)
Ref: MM03 (Welcome to Oxford) Ref: MM04 (Saxon Tower)
Ref: MM05 (Senli Cash & Go) Ref: MM06 (Oxford Playhouse)
(photo Geraint Lewis)
Ref: MM07 (Magdalen College) Ref: MM08 (The Lord Mayor)
Ref: MM09 (Oxfam Food Hamper) Ref: MM10 (Meal Voucher)
Ref: MM11 (Gift Card)