Top turnout for 90th Kate Kennedy Procession in St Andrews

Kate Kennedy 90th anniversary Procession, St Andrews. Deputy Provost Kay Morrison officially announces Toby Gobourn as Kate Kennedy.

Thousands of people turned out to watch over 130 characters from the corridors of St Andrews’ history march through the centre of the town, for the 90th time.

Played by both students and locals, the procession is known for its authenticity, displaying costumes and carriages that have been preserved and renovated over the years.

The pinnacle of the Procession was the arrival of the Lady Katherine Kennedy, the traditional patron of St Andrews students and of whom the parade is named.

Dep. Provost with Elizabeth Austen playing the part of a new character, Mary Fleming, one of the four Marys, Maids to Mary Queen of Scots and Adam Shaw, vice president of the Kate Kennedy Club.

Played by student Toby Gobourn ‘she’ was seen waving from her daffodil festooned carriage.

Crowds were also treated to the gruesome murder of mad Archbishop Sharp, relived as highwaymen dragged him from his horse-drawn coach.

The weekend also celebrated the reinforcement of town and gown relations, with a number of community events held throughout the day.

Chris Kunkler, Kate Kennedy Club president said: “For nine decades, the Kate Kennedy Procession has been a key feature in St Andrews life. I can think of no better way to celebrate this than alongside members of the community of which we are all privileged to be a part.”

Festivities included entertainment in a marquee erected on Lower College Lawn and a popular history trail-meets-scavenger hunt around St Andrews.

On show was also the Great Priocession Tapestry, hung across the railing of Sallies Quad, produced with the help of pupils from local schools.