South by Southwest Festival expands to London in June 2025.
The SXSW brand was born nearly 40 years ago in Austin, Texas, and has grown to become synonymous with celebrating the fusion of creativity, culture, and technology. London is the latest expansion since SXSW launched its brand festival in Sydney, Australia last year.
Like the Austin and Sydney festivals, SXSW London brings together entertainment, music, and technology to spark discussion and debate about difficult issues such as AI, climate change, politics, and society.
Since 1987, SXSW has hosted Christiane Amanpour, Deepak Chopra, Mark Cuban, Melinda Gates, Dave Grohl, Sadiq Khan, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Steven Spielberg, and Dr. Lisa Su , has hosted leading speakers and participants from a variety of fields, including Duchess Meghan. , Duchess of Sussex, Tilda Swinton, Taika Waititi, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Webb, Michelle Yeoh, Mark Zuckerberg.
SXSW also provided early showcases for musical artists such as Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Ed Sheeran.
“As a long-time fan of SXSW, I truly believe that SXSW is more than just an event. It's a movement where the world's greatest minds, musicians, and motivators come together to share their passion and vision for the future. It's a platform.” Randell Bryan, SXSW London Managing Director. “SXSW London will continue to build on Austin's great heritage…and provide a platform for the next generation of creative talent, ensuring that opportunities for learning, employment and community improvement are at the heart of everything we do. We will work hard to ensure that.”
Over the course of a week in June, SXSW London brings together dozens of venues, galleries and venues in East London's Shoreditch, a vibrant center of creativity and innovation as well as a hub for diversity and energetic young people. , clubs and other spaces. Culture, international cuisine, nightlife.
“Following the success of SXSW Sydney, this is a great new opportunity to highlight what makes SXSW unique in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.” Jann Baskett, SXSW Co-President and Chief Brand Officer. “We look forward to forging deeper connections with communities overseas and bringing the conversations that started in Austin to London. ”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “We are delighted to welcome SXSW to London for the first time ever, confirming our position as the heart of Europe's technology and creative sector and a global cultural capital.”
“When I attended SXSW in Austin in 2018, I witnessed the exciting atmosphere of innovation that SXSW creates and can’t wait to attend again. This is a historic opportunity to once again bring together some of the world's most exciting talent as part of our mission to build London.”
Added Culture Secretary Lucy Fraser: “Festivals have been an important part of British culture for decades and are a key reason why Britain is known around the world for its creative excellence.
“From film and television to fashion and music, London is a world-class hub for cultural and creative talent, so SXSW brings together innovators in these fields to ensure the UK's creative industries are the envy of the world. It's great to be here to show why we're so important.”
