2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of the first Kate Kennedy Spring Procession.
We celebrated with a weekend community-focused events on April 16-19th 2026.
How it all began…
100 years ago, two students, Donald Kennedy and James Doak, set out to revive the historic Spring Procession which had been forbidden in the 19th century for unruly behaviour. This time, they aimed to honour the storied history of the town of St Andrews, with community at the heart of the festivities. With the blessing of the then Principal, Sir James Irvine, the first Kate Kennedy Spring Procession took to the streets on 5th March 1926, marking the start of a new tradition rooted in the past.
100 years later…
This spectacular pageant is still a much-loved feature of the local community and has been organised by student members of the Club since its inception, with the aim of improving town-university relations, preserving tradition, and raising money for Fife charities. Its 160 characters, many riding on horseback or being driven in horse-drawn carriages, are played by a mixture of students, residents and alumni.
How was the anniversary commemorated?
In 2026, to mark its Centenary, the Club and its alumni Life Members staged a series of major events on 16-19th April to engage the St Andrews and wider North East Fife community in a celebration of local heritage.
What did we do?
The weekend featured a historical symposium, a Community Day including a lunch, book readings and kids activities, a history trail around the town, the Procession itself, a tour of historic community buildings, an exhibition of artefacts, and a community ceilidh for young people. Each event was well attended by the local community, with thousands lining the streets for the Procession.
Thank you for joining us for what was a uniquely St Andrews weekend.
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