Today, my family and I had the privilege to take part in a truly unforgettable Guinness World Records™ attempt at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. The event was held to celebrate Film100, marking 100 years of film and the incredible heritage of Elstree Studios, one of Britain’s oldest and most prestigious film and television studios, also celebrating its centenary in 2025.
We joined fellow film fans and families from across the UK for a day of movie magic packed full of excitement, cinematic history, and iconic characters.
Our Guinness World Records™ Attempt Experience
As a family, we decided to go all out with our costumes. I joined the Pirate Crew, Simon looked dashing as James Bond, Lillie wowed as Jessica Rabbit, Ollie stepped into the role of a Jurassic Park Warden, and Albie became Dr Henry Loomis from Jurassic World Rebirth.
The atmosphere at the Old Royal Naval College was buzzing — everyone was friendly, chatting, showing off their outfits, and checking out everyone else’s costumes. It felt like stepping right into the heart of movie magic at one of the UK’s most filmed heritage sites.
The records™ attempt for the largest gathering of people dressed as screen characters required over 500 people, all from a specified list of characters filmed on location at the Old Royal Naval College. By the time Guinness World Records™ adjudicator Carl made the official announcement, the excitement was electric. We were delighted to hear the final number — an incredible 874 people! A new world record was set, and we were part of it.
VIP Red Carpet and Film Prop Highlights
Our VIP red carpet experience gave us access to some of the most iconic film pop-ups and props that have become famous across decades of film and TV as well as special collection of Vintage Movie posters and further activities throughout the day.
We were able to get up close with:
- Star Wars droids like R2D2
- Indiana Jones props
- Bridgerton costumes
- The legendary Aston Martin DB5 driven by James Bond
The boys had the chance of a lifetime, sitting in Batman’s Tumbler and even riding high on a TaunTaun from Star Wars. It truly was a day of movie magic, with family fun throughout the day and an atmosphere that celebrated both heritage and imagination.
Celebrate Film 100 and a Century of Film and TV
This special Guinness World Record attempt – all set at the Old Royal Naval College — was more than just about costumes. It was a way to celebrate 100 years of film and TV, to recognise Elstree Studios as one of Britain’s oldest and most prestigious film studios, and to shine a light on the heritage location that has become famous as the home of so many iconic productions.
The Old Royal Naval College, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the UK’s most filmed heritage locations, has long been a popular filming location. From James Bond blockbusters to period dramas like Bridgerton, the Royal Naval College has featured in countless iconic moments on screen.
Meanwhile, Elstree Studios, also celebrating its centenary in 2025, continues to be at the forefront of film and television production. The partnership between the Royal Naval College and Elstree Studios for this celebration was a perfect way to mark a century of film, honour their shared heritage, and showcase why Britain remains such a cinematic powerhouse.
A Cinematic Celebration for All
For us, this was more than just a Guinness World Records™ attempt. It was a chance to step inside the heritage site that has become a backdrop for so much movie magic, to experience the excitement of a VIP red carpet, and to share an unforgettable moment with hundreds of others.
It was a reminder of the power of film to bring people together, to inspire creativity, and to celebrate 100 years of film and television.
This truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we’re proud to say we are now World Record Breakers!