Town and Gown unite each April for the Kate Kennedy Spring Procession - a joyful, costumed celebration of St Andrews’ rich tapestry, with over 150 symbols of local and global heritage. 2026 marks the Centenary of this tradition on Saturday 18th April. The annual Kate Kennedy Procession leaves the medieval gates of St Salvator’s College. The Procession traces its origins to the adoration by student
s of the niece of Bishop Kennedy, the founder of St Salvator’s College, the oldest in the University. This niece was Lady Katharine Kennedy, affectionately known as Kate, the fairest and most beautiful woman in her day. The part of Kate is traditionally played by a first year male student, whose identity is a well guarded secret until the Procession begins. The crowd’s anticipation builds outside St Salvator’s Quad as over a hundred colourfully draped characters from the history of St Andrews march out of the medieval gate– characters as diverse as Robert the Bruce and John Cleese, Mary Queen of Scots and Rudyard Kipling—all culminating with the unveiling of Kate. Horse drawn coaches, the jester entertaining local children, the Pipe and Military Bands filling the streets with melodies, and Kate’s shield bearers charming the crowds by handing out daffodils are just a few of the happenings that make the Kate Kennedy Procession a special day for town and gown alike. Proudly organised by the Kate Kennedy Club with the support of the Kate Kennedy Trust
