Identity area
Reference code
BCA - 2025.7978
Title
Covid: May Morning Magdalen College Tower Event Cancelled
Date(s)
- 2020 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
2 page PDF
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Oxford Mail article by Fran Way dated 30th April 2020 announcing May Morning festivities had been cancelled amid the coronavirus lockdown, but revellers could still take part in spirit by holding events at home and sharing them online.
The event has been going on for hundreds of years with celebrations kick-starting at 6am with the traditional singing of Hymnus Eucharisticus by choristers atop Magdalen College tower, followed by lively peels of bells. Strict rules ban mass gatherings and forbid people leaving their homes without a valid reason, such as going to work, food shopping or getting exercise.