Fisher Studios photographer Charlotte Darvill attended May Morning in Oxford for the second year running.
May Morning dates back centuries and is a tradition that celebrates the arrival of Spring. This year’s celebrations did not disappoint with a beautiful sunrise and glorious weather. Luckily for the thousands of visitors, some who had travelled from all over the world to attend one of Oxford’s most famous events. It was reported that this year, 18,500 people attended!
Crowds start to gather on Magdalen Bridge and the High Street from 5am to hear the Hymnus Eucharisticus being sung by Magdalen College Choir at 6am prompt, from the top of the Great Tower at Magdalen College.
Afterwards the crowds head into town, with much activity happening on Broad Street. Overlooked by the Emperor Heads atop the Sheldonian Pillars, revellers gather to watch the Morris dancing, street performers and folk musicians and singers. This year there was much dancing and merriment under the morning sun. A true spring celebration
Many local eateries open early, serving up breakfast. By 9am the roads are open again and morning commuters see the stragglers of May Morning probably heading back to bed, as if it had all been a dream. Although not for our photographer Charlotte who had work to do and shoots later that day!
Photos by Charlotte Darvill.
