Traders at Oxford's Covered Market are ready to welcome May Morning revellers.

In recent years a growing number of traders have opened early to cater for those taking part in the traditional celebrations.

From 6am the historic market, which is celebrating its 250th birthday, will have more traders than ever opening.

READ MORE: Village hall closed after car crashes into building 

Browns Cafe will serve its popular famous May Day Breakfasts, and Sofi de France, Colombia Coffee, Brothers, Taylors, Gulp Fiction and Sartorelli's will also be open for customers.

Oxford Mail: Sofi de FranceIl Corno and The Market Tap are taking part in their first ever early May Morning opening, so customers will be able to drink a toast to the festivities.

From 6.30am until about 11am  the central square will come alive with music and dance including members of local band Moonaroon, and James McCafferty from Milady Clare's Musicke will be performing songs from the 18th century when the market was created.

Oxford Mail: A May Morning chalk boardAs well as music there will be dancing from a mixture of Morris sides, courtesy of Oxford University and City Morris. 

READ MORE: Frustration as trains stop short of Oxford 

Pubs and restaurants across the city will also be open to cater for May Morning crowds.

This includes Quod restaurant on High Street where breakfast will be served between 6am and 9am.

Outside The Bear Inn in Alfred Street is another place where people traditionally gather as part of the celebrations.

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe 

As a digital subscriber you will get:      

          
  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website   
    •       
  • Advert-light access       
    •       
  • Reader rewards       
    •       
  • Full access to our app 

About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.