Guinness World Record Achieved!

Old Royal Naval College and Elstree Studios have made history setting an official Guinness World Records™ Award for the largest gathering of people dressed as film and TV characters - with 874 people dressed as screen characters flocking to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in celebration of filmmaking. 

This year marks 100 years since the Old Royal Naval College was first used as a filming location and the centenary of the iconic Elstree Film Studios. In honour of this shared centenary, fans of all ages transformed the UK’s No.1 filming heritage location into a spectacular real-life movie set. The unforgettable day of movie magic, which took place on Saturday 27th September, saw crowds of families and film lovers come together dressed as 45 characters from 30 world-famous productions. Stepping into the roles of their favourite heroes, villains and TV icons, appearances from beloved characters included Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte, Jack Sparrow, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Batman and Indiana Jones.

The event also featured cinematic prop stations, interactive experiences, film tours, food and drink stalls and roaming entertainment. As well as exclusive access to sit in the Batman tumbler car, and the Aston Martin DB5 through the VIP Red Carpet Experience. Bringing a true backstage experience to life across Greenwich’s iconic venue, the day marked a century of cinematic history where heritage and Hollywood collide.

The Guinness World Records™ achievement further cements the Old Royal Naval College’s status as one of London’s must-visit cultural destinations. Over the last 100 years, the Old Royal Naval College has featured in more than 200 film and television productions, from Oscar-winning epics to streaming sensations, working with acclaimed directors such as Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott and Kenneth Branagh. Elstree Studios, celebrating its own centenary in 2025, has been home to some of cinema’s most enduring productions, including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Shining and The Crown. Together, the two iconic institutions united their legacies to deliver a once-in-a-century cinematic celebration.

Further Information: History Worth Exploring - Old Royal Naval College