We warmly invite you to join fellow Old Johannians and partners at the Annual Old Johannian Dinner on Friday, 19 June 2026.
On 12 September 1908, just ten years after the founding of St John's College, some thirty Old Johannians gathered for the inaugural Old Johannian Dinner at Luthje's Langham Hotel in Kerk Street.
That evening, Archdeacon Furse, Chairman of the College Council, reminded those present that the future success of St John's would depend not only on the pupils and masters of the day, but on the continued support of its Old Johannians. He urged them to remain “vigorous and strong” and always ready to lend a helping hand to the School.
The St John's tradition quickly took root. By 1912, around forty Old Johannians gathered for the dinner, still held at the Langham Hotel. By 1913, the gathering had grown to around seventy Old Johannians and moved back to the College itself. The dinner was held in Big School, with the proprietors of the Langham travelling out from town to provide the catering.
Notably, the Old Johannian Dinner predates the College's first Gaudy Day, which was formally established in 1912. The term comes from the Latin gaudeo, meaning “to rejoice.” In the ancient colleges of Oxford, a Gaudy was the feast at which alumni returned to their college to celebrate their enduring bond with the institution and with one another.
Perhaps the most remarkable testament to the strength of this tradition came during the Second World War, when around thirty Old Johannians imprisoned in a prisoner-of-war camp in Modena, Italy, organised their own Gaudy gathering in 1942, determined that the tradition should not pass unnoticed.
The dinner remains one of the great traditions of the Old Johannian community. It is an evening to reconnect with classmates, share stories, and celebrate the friendships and shared experiences that bind generations of Old Johannians together.
We are pleased to welcome Stefan Terblanche , former Springbok rugby player, broadcaster, public speaker, and World Rugby Judicial Panel member, as our guest speaker for the evening.
We encourage you to book a table with your classmates, year group, or fellow Old Johannians, and to reach out to those you have not seen in a while. Tables may be reserved individually or as groups, and early booking is encouraged to ensure you are seated with your preferred guests.
Reserve your seat or book a table here: 2026 Old Johannian Dinner RSVP
We look forward to welcoming you back.