An estimated 18,500 people gathered in the city centre on 1 May 2026 to celebrate the annual May Morning in Oxford. This figure marks a steady rise in participation for the city tradition, showing a 12 per cent increase from the 16,500 people who attended in 2025.
The celebration, which has been observed for more than 500 years, began at 6am with the Magdalen College choir singing the Hymnus Eucharisticus from the top of the college’s Great Tower. Following the performance, crowds spread from High Street to the Plain Roundabout to enjoy traditional Morris dancing and folk singing that took place across the city.
Organised by Oxford City Council, the event was supported by a range of agencies including Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Oxford Direct Services, Magdalen College and Oxfordshire County Council. The council noted that attendance figures have climbed consistently since 2022, when 12,500 people attended the event. Participation grew to 14,000 in 2024 and 16,500 in 2025, continuing a recovery trend for the historic community gathering.
While the 2026 turnout was significant, the event’s record attendance remains at 27,000, which was set in 2017 when the celebration coincided with a bank holiday weekend.
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