Thousands joined in the last May Day celebrations of the 20th century in Oxford early today, write Matt Childe and Andrew Ffrench.

The promise of Saturday sunshine attracted a peaceful crowd of about 11,000 to the city centre at dawn.

Fears of a crush had led police to seal off Magdalen Bridge from 4am for the second year running. In the event, there were no injuries or arrests.

The safety measures also prevented high-spirited students from jumping into the River Cherwell, although one man had to be held back from leaping by Oxford University stewards.

According to tradition, the college choristers sang in Magdalen Tower at 6am and the crowds enjoyed champagne breakfasts at scores of early-opening bars, cafes and restaurants. David Shadrick, 20, a first-year history student at Blackfriars College, said: "I was disappointed that Magdalen Bridge was closed because I wanted to jump naked into the water."

But his pal Martin Dell Tosca, 19, a student at St Benet's Hall, said: "We've just come from the May Ball and we've both pulled, so I'm not too bothered about the bridge being shut."

Georga Godwin, a member of staff at Oxford University Press, said she was disappointed by the quality of the sound transmitting the choir to the crowds.

"At first the sound was totally distorted. It was awful but it did improve slightly."

Before the event, police called on revellers to act in a "good-natured and relaxed manner". Many people were up all night celebrating the first day of May, including 6,000 at the May Day Ball, held at Milton Common, near Thame.

But an illegal rave organised for last night on Port Meadow was cancelled by police.

Magdalen Bridge was closed for the first time last year. An advisory group of police, students and other agencies said they could not guarantee safety this year because of the large crowds.

Five years ago 22 people were injured, some seriously, after jumping into the 4ft-deep river. City councillors originally ignored the advice and ruled that the bridge should stay open.

But highways officials from the county council stepped in on Wednesday to close the bridge after police threatened to seek a judicial review of the city council's decision.

Student representatives have called for better planning to ensure people are allowed on the bridge next year.

Story date: Saturday 01 May

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.