Oxford to celebrate Virtual May Morning

As the UK remains in lockdown, this year's May Morning celebrations have inevitably been cancelled - but groups across Oxford are ensuring that this 500-year-old Oxford tradition does not go unmarked.

• The Magdalen College Choir will still welcome the coming of spring this year, but instead of greeting the sunrise from the top of the Great Tower, they’ll be singing from their homes across the country via video link - watch via Facebook or the Magdalen College Choir website. Mark Williams, the Informator Choristarum at Magdalen College has been working with the 28 members of the Choir over the last few weeks to complete new virtual renditions of the Hymnus Eucharisticus and a traditional madrigal for May Morning.
• At 8:00am Horns of Plenty will be performing the song ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ from their doors and windows across the city. They are encouraging Oxford residents to get involved from their own homes and join them by singing, playing, or humming along.
• Oxford's Daily Info news and events service are holding a virtual May Morning  on their Facebook page with a live video. Their video will feature morris dancing, performances from local musicians, a spoons tutorial, a history of May Day, and a May Day singalong.

You can find more information on Virtual May Morning on the Oxford City Council website - and why not share your own May Morning memories and home celebrations on social media, using the hashtag #MayMorning.