What is the Celebrate Film 100 event?
Celebrate Film 100: Guinness World Records Attempt is a day packed full of movie magic, family fun and a chance to be part of a Guinness World Records™ attempt.
We’re teaming up with Elstree Studios to mark our shared centenaries with a one-day celebration of film – filled with iconic film pop-ups and a Guinness World Records™ attempt – all set against the stunning backdrop of the UK’s most filmed heritage location.
What are the details of the event?
The one-day event takes place on Saturday 27 September 2025. Activities start from 10am until 5pm in the buildings and grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich. The Guinness World Records Attempt takes place at 2pm. Access to the event is free with VIP tickets at £13.50 for exclusive access to activity in the Painted Hall and other spaces.
Why are you hosting it?
We are celebrating 100 years of cinematic legacy this year. For a century, the Old Royal Naval College, a historic and cherished landmark has played a starring role in some of the world’s most beloved films and TV shows, captivating audiences around the world. The 17-acre UNESCO World heritage site in Greenwich has been a ‘location stunt double’ for royal palaces and cities across Europe, from Regency era period dramas to out-of-this-world backdrops for superheroes, the site has captured the attention of filmmakers. Over the past 100 years, it has evolved into the UK’s No 1. most filmed heritage site, appearing in over 200 productions, listed in IMDb, from Hollywood blockbusters to beloved British TV dramas.
Will this event make money?
Any profit from tickets and activities received by The Greenwich Foundation will be used to further our charitable mission to educate the public and to preserve this historic site. As a charity funds raised from events and activities are vital to provide an independent income to support the maintenance, interpretation and conservation of our historic buildings and grounds.
Will the event cause any damage to the heritage buildings and grounds?
All precautions have been taken to ensure the building and grounds are protected. We are committed to keeping our buildings and grounds safe and to protect these historically significant buildings and artworks for generations to come. The Old Royal Naval College has an excellent track record of hosting large and small concerts, events, and filming across our site whilst staying open to our community and visitors as a public space and a tourist destination. If there is damage to the grass, a certified contractor will assess the damage and reinstate as appropriate.
Do I have to dress up to attend the event?
To take part in the Guinness World Record attempt, and to be counted as a participant in the record, you will need to be in a costume from the official list. There is a dedicated list of characters and required costume elements available on our website.
What happens if it rains?
The event takes place both outdoors in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, and inside the Painted Hall and other indoor locations around site. If it rains, the prop stations will still be accessible as they are all under cover, or indoors. The record attempt gathering at 2pm will still take place and will be outdoors regardless of the weather.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Yes, you can turn up and register on the day. We encourage pre-registration to make check in quicker on the day. Also, if you are interested in the VIP ticket that unlocks exclusive access to the prop stations, then if you book in advance there is a discounted price. Normal charges will apply on the day.
Can I bring my pet?
We welcome pets in our outdoor areas of site. Please note that only assistance dogs are permitted inside the Painted Hall and Visitor Centre. Please note, animals in costume are not counted as part of the record count.
Are there toilets, changing facilities on site?
Participants have access to clean and well-maintained toilets in the Visitor Centre and Painted Hall. Additional toilets will be available outside in the grounds. We do not have dedicated changing facilities on site, other than our toilets. We encourage visitors to arrive already dressed in costume. For those filming, creating content, or taking photographs, please note that multiple costume changes are not permitted.
How do I get to the Old Royal Naval College?
Celebrate Film 100 takes place at Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, London, SE10 9NN.
The venue is well connected by public transport. As part of our sustainability efforts, we strongly encourage you to travel by public transport or walk where possible. Find out more.
What time will the activities start and end?
- Event starts: 10am
- Family activities: 10am
- Guinness World Records Attempt: 1.30-2.15pm
- Prop stations close: 4.30pm
- Event ends: 5pm
- Grounds: Grounds are open until 11pm. The event activities will close 30 minutes before the end of the event.
- Silent Disco (ticketed event): 7.30pm-11pm. Tickets available and you are encouraged to stay in costume.
What catering is available?
Enjoy a selection of options including a Sticks N Sushi pop up, serving a variety of sushi and hot food, and the Bar Alfresco for a wide selection of alcoholic and soft drinks. Book a table at The Old Brewery situated at the Old Royal Naval College.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own packed lunch and use our grounds to have a picnic.
Where are all the prop stations located?
You can collect a map on arrival that showcases the locations of each prop station. Full information can be found on the event page.
Can I access all of them for free?
All prop stations in the outdoor locations are visible. If you want to sit inside the car or ride the ‘Tauntaun’ from Star Wars, then you will need to have a VIP ticket. All prop stations inside the Painted Hall will be only accessible to VIP ticket holders.
Are they any rules I should be aware of for the day?
Tripods and professional photography equipment is not permitted. Handheld devices or cameras only. Our rules for photography and filming can be found here.
Is there a registration desk to check into?
Yes, if you enter site from Greenwich Town Centre, via King William Walk, or from Romney Road, there will be a registration desk at the entrance to the grounds. You will need to check in here before entering the site and interacting with the event activities, or having your costume counted.
Where do you go to get counted to be part of the Guinness World Records attempt?
The Guinness World Records attempt will take place between 1.30-2.15pm on Lower Grand Square. This is the large grass area in front of the two domes. Once you have had your costume checked by the adjudicator, you will need to stay in this area, in the relevant zone for your character until the record attempt has been set.
How will my costume be counted for the record attempt?
As participants enter the attempt area, a formal final check of costumes will be completed by our adjudicator and volunteer counters. You will have to remain in the attempt area until 2.10pm otherwise you will be disqualified. Our stewards will have clickers to check numbers.
If we go as a family but dress up as different characters will we get to stay together for the count?
There will be a specific holding area for family groups during the count.
What happens if you’re missing one of the costume key elements?
Where applicable all costumes must be complete and clearly recognisable as the character or costume designated for the record set out in the specific guidelines, at the discretion of the independent witnesses and Guinness World Records any costume deemed unsuitable will be disqualified from the final total.
Do you have to be over a certain age to get counted as part of the attempt?
There is no age restriction to this event.
Can I dress up as any film character?
You will need to dress up as a character from our designated list. This along with details of the costume elements can be found here.
How many people need to be dressed up to break the record?
To successfully set the record there needs to be 500 people gathered in the record attempt area at 2pm.
Will I get a Guinness certificate if the record is broken?
If the record is broken, the official Guinness world record attempt adjudicator will present a certificate to the site. Individual participant certificates can be purchased directly from Guinness World Records. Find out how.
Will the activity be photographed and filmed?
Yes, we will have photographers and videographers on the day capturing the event.
Accessibility
The lifts into the Painted Hall are currently out of order. There are seven steps to access the King William Undercroft, 20 steps to reach the Lower Vestibule, 16 steps to the Main Vestibule, and a further 7 steps to the Upper Hall. If you have specific access needs, please email boxoffice@ornc.org five working days in advance so we can plan the best possible support for your visit.
Are there any age restriction for the Silent Disco?
Yes, the Silent Disco is only suitable for ages 18+. A valid form of ID must be shown on arrival.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept both card and cash.