6 Downton Abbey Activations Fit For The Dowager Herself

The beloved Downton Abbey film saga comes to an end this fall with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, arriving in cinemas September 12th. To bid farewell to this iconic franchise, we’ve curated a list of film activations sure to transport your audience directly into the elegant and grandiose world of early 20th-century English aristocracy.

1. Downton Abbey-Inspired Cocktails 🍸

Toast like the aristocrats of Downton Abbey with a menu of carefully crafted cocktails. Both casual moviegoers and devoted fans alike will appreciate a curated selection of drinks inspired by the series’ most memorable characters. 

2. Cinema Soirée 🍾

What better way to celebrate the end of a beloved franchise than with an elegant party! Host a Downtown Abbey-inspired event for your loyalty subscribers, inviting them to don era-appropriate attire while mingling with fellow fans over finger foods and cocktails from your cinema bar. Elevate the experience with period-appropriate activities like charades and card games to complete the fun!

3. Afternoon Tea 🫖

The newest entry into the Downton Abbey franchise sees the beloved characters navigate new challenges during the summer of 1930, which just so happens to be right in the middle of the golden age of afternoon tea! Treat your moviegoers to a refined afternoon tea event that you can promote across your cinema’s social media channels. Provide conversation starter cards to help guests mingle, along with a selection of teas and delicate hors d’oeuvres.

4. Hat Contest 👒

The members of Downton Abbey are known for their exquisite taste in hats. Encourage fans to don their finest period-inspired headwear for a “Best Hat” contest! Feature the most creative entries on your cinema’s social media and provide the winners with a themed prize or movie passes. 

5. Letter Writing Station 📝

Transport your cinema back in time with a letter writing station! Your moviegoers will feel like they’ve stepped into the world of Downton Abbey when they sit down at a station complete with elegant stationery and calligraphy-style writing supplies. Encourage them to write to family and friends, maybe even sharing about their great time at the cinema! Elevate the experience by hiring a calligraphy artist to skillfully write out people’s names in script for an unforgettable memento.

6. Franchise Trivia 🏆

At the heart of this newest Downton Abbey film is a world filled with beloved characters and an iconic setting that fans across the world have come to know and love. For this very reason, trivia is a perfect way to engage devoted fans who have followed the characters across all mediums, while also welcoming newcomers to the franchise by incorporating general questions about the era. Up the stakes by offering prizes to the winners, such as free movie tickets or Downton Abbey merch!

Don’t miss out on bringing the magic of the final Downton Abbey film to your moviegoers with these immersive activations. You can count on one thing: Team OC will be sitting in the cinema on September 12th with our best hats on!

Want to stay in the loop about social media trends, industry news, activation ideas, + more? Subscribe to The CinePulse Playbook: Your Guide to Social Media + Marketing Within Film Exhibition, Team OC's ultimate resource for marketing + social media strategies tailored to the exhibition industry. From the latest social media tips + trends to actionable ideas for your marketing calendar, we'll help you stay ahead of the curve and take your cinema's marketing to the next level!

Not sure what to post? Need help with socials? Interested in personalized social media & activation content? Find more information here or contact us at hello@onnicreative.xyz. 

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