Feature

A strange event occurs every May Day in Oxford, involving Magdalen Bridge, students and low levels of water.

The little stone bridge over the River Cherwell was built back in 1782 and at some point it became tradition to jump off it, occasionally in fancy dress, to celebrate May Day.

Last year, the council took a stand and decided to close the bridge to potential plungers after the previous year's string of gashes and broken limbs. However, a few managed to evade the coppers and take the plunge in time-honoured fashion.

Quite what students expect to happen when they drop into shallow water from a bridge is perhaps beside the point. There is never a shortage of people ready to don a stupid outfit and then proceed to soak it. 

In 2005, five students instantly regretted their decision to see in spring by jumping off the bridge into the river as they took a trip to the local hospital with broken limbs. A crowd of some 12,000 was present at the scene to witness the carnage.

Liberal Democrat councillor Tony Brett told the Oxford Student last year that the decision to close the bridge was "a closed meeting, the essence of which was the county council wanted to avoid being sued by those injured on the day".

Read more about May Day celebrations