'Celebrate together, though we're apart': Oxford May Morning under lockdown

I remember my first May Morning as a student.

I stayed up all night and was revived with coffee, orange juice and croissants very early in the morning.

I’d heard all about May Morning before I came to live in Oxford, as my Mum is Oxford born and bred and used to say that once the singing from Magdalen College was over, people would get on their bikes and cycle up to Shotover for a picnic breakfast.

Unfortunately, that first May Morning was my only one as a student.

Mary Clarkson. Picture: Richard Cave.

The next year I was recovering from appendicitis back home and in my final year I had to leave Oxford for a job interview.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that I was able to take part again with my own children and some German visitors, who were quite taken aback by the Morris dancers and the enormous crowds.

May Morning brings everyone together: from those who have called Oxford their homes their entire lives, to the young children who are experiencing their first May Morning, sat on the shoulders of their parents and still half asleep in the early morning light.

Standing in the crowd that forms alongside the High Street and on Magdalen Bridge, the atmosphere is electric.

As the clock strikes 6am, an excited hush falls across the crowd as we wait with bated breath to hear the angelic tones of the Magdalen College Choir singing the traditional Hymnus Eucharisticus from atop the Great Tower.

As the final notes of the hymn echoes across city and you look around at the faces next to you in the crowd, there is a real sense of pride and community.

We Are Oxford.

Within minutes the bridge is clear, but the celebrations continue in the streets.

Walking up the High Street with the crowd, you are met with noise and celebration everywhere.

Here is where you watch the joy of Horns of Plenty as they perform – all dressed in red with their instruments gleaming in the morning sun.

As you move further up the street you can find the Oxford Balkan Dancers, joined by Sol Samba who play and dance together in perfect unison.

Finally, as you enter Radcliffe Square, and walk along the street towards the Bridge of Sighs you are surrounded by dancing of all kinds; from Morris dancing and Ceilidh dancing, to folk dance, and impromptu dance performances from individuals.

The city is alive with music, laughter and cheering as community groups, and individuals celebrate May Morning.

And then, by 8am the revellers and performers have packed up their belongings, gone home to sleep, or continued their celebrations elsewhere, and the streets of Oxford return to their usual hustle and bustle…until next year.

Although I am sad that we won’t be able to celebrate physically together this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, I am excited that we will be continuing the celebrations online through the virtual May Morning.

By bringing May Morning online we are able to open the celebrations up to everyone, both here in Oxford, in our twin cities, and around the globe.

Now you can watch the Magdalen College Choir singing from your living room.

Or you can dance with Horns of Plenty on right on your doorstep.

There are many at home events to get involved in, which have been organised by groups across the city.

We are also encouraging everyone to share their May Morning memories using the hashtag #MayMorning on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Did you bump in to your future husband or wife whilst Morris dancing under the Radcliffe Camera?

Were you inspired to start playing the trumpet after listening to the sounds of Horns of Plenty?

Do you still get a tear in your eye whenever you hear the song ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ after listening to Magdalen College Choir’s beautiful performance?

Whatever your memories are, we want to hear them and celebrate May Morning with you.

Even though we are social distancing at this time, it does not mean that we are alone.

I look forward to reading your #MayMorning memories and to seeing the innovative ways you are taking part this year.

I will see you all online.