Celebrating 100 Years of Film with a Guinness World Records™ Award

The 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 27 September, saw crowds of families, set-jetters 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, Indiana Jones and many others.

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.

Kate Miners, Director of Public Engagement and Commercial at the Old Royal Naval College, says: “This Guinness World Records™ title is a wonderful way to mark 100 years of film at the Old Royal Naval College and Elstree Studios. To see so many people of all ages step into the shoes of their favourite screen characters and bring this place to life was nothing short of magical. Our site has always been about bringing people together, and on this day, the worlds of heritage, culture, film, TV and costume collided in the most cinematic and spectacular way.”

Rebecca Hawkes, Head of Studios at Elstree, shares: “We are delighted to have been able to collaborate with ORNC. Between us we have hosted some of the most iconic moments in film and TV over the last 100 years. It’s been fantastic to be part of an event that has brought to many people together. Collaboration is how exciting content is created and today has been a perfect example.”

To continue their Film100 celebrations, the Old Royal Naval College will launched a new behind-the-scenes film tour, Spies, Supersleuths and Superheroes in October. Following the success of Wigs, Weddings, Powder and Palaces, this new tour explores espionage and adventure. Inspired by the adventures of James Bond and films and TV shows like Slow Horses to Doctor Strange, Skyfall to The Dark Knight Rises, the tour also includes a fun and interactive mission to resolve with visitors receiving a MI5 briefing and a code to unravel to locate the stolen artefact.

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.