May Day on North Parade
Morris musicians on North Parade, May Day 2017 (photo Tim Healey)
Around noon on May Day, morris sides from Oxford city centre arrive at North Parade to dance outside the Rose & Crown.
Oxford City Morris act as hosts, and regulars include Oxford University Morris Men, Abingdon Traditional, Charlbury, Crendon, Wolvercote and the Summertown Morris.
The Rose & Crown, with the Gardener's Arms, traditionally feed and water the morris sides from a 'street-based barbecue', selling to the public after the morris are victualled.
The Rose & Crown hosts impromptu music sessions in its rear courtyard. Though the dancing stops around 2pm, the lively pub sessions may go on to 5 or 6pm.
Dancing on North Parade, May Day 2022 (photo Tim Healey)
Session at the Rose & Crown, May Day 2022 (video Tim Healey)
Session at the Rose & Crown, May Day 2019
Dancing on North Parade, May Day 2018 (video David Lawton)
Clips from the session at the Rose & Crown, May Day 2018 (video Tim Healey)
Session at the Rose & Crown, May Day 2017 (video Tim Healey)
Morris Dancing, North Parade May Day 2016 (video Tim Healey)
Wolvercote Morris on North Parade, May Day 2016 (photo Tim Healey)
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