The Annual Kate Kennedy Procession

Each Spring, the club organises the annual Kate Kennedy Spring Procession. The origins of the Spring Procession can be found in ancient, medieval, pagan and Christian festivals about the rites of spring, fifers celebrated “Cath Cinneachaidh”.

Legend has it that in the fifteenth century the beautiful niece of Bishop James Kennedy, Lady Katherine came to stay, in the spring of her life and the spring of the year. Idolised by all a festival emerged from two separate origins, and it became Kate Kennedy’s Day.

By the nineteenth century the procession had begun to degenerate, at last, on the 5th March 1881, the procession was banned by university authorities.

However, on the 5th March 1926 Kate reappeared in a splendour never before accorded to her, in the familiar format that we see today. This was thanks to the two students Donald Kennedy and James Doak, inspired by J. M Barrie’s rectorial address on “Courage”, with the assistance of Principle Sir James Irvine.

Since 1926 the Club has taken pride in maintaining the tradition of Kate’s spring Procession each year, with the exception of the WWII and covid periods.

Today the event celebrates the town’s rich history, and will see 150 students, locals and university staff dress up in historical costumes, re-enacting prominent figures who have made an impact on St Andrews.