Each Spring, the club organises the annual Kate Kennedy Spring Procession. The procession traces its origins back as far as the 15th century where legend has it that Lady Katharine Kennedy visited her uncle, Bishop Kennedy of St Andrews, every Spring. Her beauty was so breathtaking that the students used to line the streets in the hope of catching a glimpse of her. The procession has now developed into a celebration of St Andrews rich history, showcasing students and locals dressed up as historical figures who were born, lived, taught, preached or researched in St Andrews.
To accompany the procession, the club publishes the annual College Echoes. In the College Echoes, one can find some of the most legendary characters in St Andrew’s history as well as additional information about the procession and the club. All proceeds made from the sale of the Echoes are donated to a local Fife charity.
Download a copy Although the activities organised by the Kate Kennedy Club have grown, the Procession remains the central tenet of the organisation, which now features over 100 costumed characters. Maintenance of the coaches and costumes remains a time-consuming job, and the programme of repair and replacement is constantly being updated. This, in turn, led to the realisation that the items used in the Procession, together with the Club's extensive archive, are extremely valuable.
It was felt by the Club that the responsibility for managing these assets should be more formally organised - and it is with this intention that The Kate Kennedy Trust was formed, with the full support of the Club. The Trust is a registered Scottish Charity (Number SCO26695) and has taken into its care all the historical assets of the Club and is responsible for their preservation and conservation.