In a spectacular celebration of cinematic history, the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as screen characters. The event, which takes place on Saturday, September 27th, is a joint celebration marking the shared centenary of the Old Royal Naval College and the world-renowned Elstree Studios.
The record-breaking attempt will be the centerpiece of a day packed with movie magic and family fun, set against the backdrop of one of the UK’s most filmed heritage locations. The current record for the “Largest gathering of people dressed as comic book characters” is 1,784, a record set by the Salt Lake Comic Con in 2015. The event aims to surpass this number with a broader “screen character” category.
To qualify for the record, participants must come dressed as characters from a list of over 45 productions filmed at either the Old Royal Naval College or Elstree Studios. The list includes iconic figures from film and television history, such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader from Star Wars; Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean; characters from the hit series Bridgerton and The Crown; as well as Batman and others.
Beyond the record attempt, the day will feature a variety of film-themed activities, including screenings, iconic film pop-ups, and the chance to pose with props like the Batmobile. It’s a unique opportunity for fans, families, and film lovers to step into the spotlight and be part of a real-life blockbuster moment.
The event organizers are inviting the public to participate and help make history. The record attempt is a testament to the rich cinematic legacy of both Elstree Studios and the Old Royal Naval College, which have collectively shaped the nation’s film and television identity for a century.