England's St. John's College choir was let down, literally, when it learned it could not perform its Ascension Day program in the Chapel Tower, officials said.

St. John's Dean Peter Linehan said that due to stringent health and safety regulations, the choir had to forego its traditional May 1 performance in the 163-foot tower, The Mail on Sunday said.

"There are draconian rules now about having people up towers," Linehan said. "This year was the first time since this very old custom was established that the choir has been on the lawns.

"It makes me sad. Health and safety concerns are increasingly intrusive."

The choir had climbed the campus tower in Cambridge every year since 1902 to celebrate Ascension Day -- the day Christians believe Jesus ascended into heaven.

The dean of the chapel, the Rev. Duncan Dormer, told the newspaper the building superintendent's decision to keep the choir out of the tower was primarily due to inclement weather. Dormer said the tradition would carry on next year, weather permitting. (c) UPI