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South by Southwest (SXSW) is expanding to Europe with the launch of a London edition in June 2025.
The Austin, Texas-hailing, world-leading cultural platform, which celebrates the convergence of creativity, culture and technology, will take over dozens of venues, galleries, clubs and other spaces in Shoreditch, east London, over the course of a week next summer.
SXSW London will expand the footprint of the conference and showcase festival, which has been held in the Texan capital since 1987. An Asia Pacific spin-off, SXSW Sydney, debuted in Australia last October. “These events, each with their own distinct flavour, make South By an indispensable three-stop tour for the global creative community,” says a statement.
“As a life-long fan of SXSW I truly believe that it’s more than an event – it’s a movement, a platform where the world’s greatest minds, musicians and motivators come to share their passion and their vision of the future,” says Randel Bryan, MD of SXSW London.
“SXSW London will build on Austin’s incredible legacy, presenting an event that underpins why SXSW is the go-to destination for professionals and creatives seeking meaningful connections, unexpected experiences and ideas that can help shape the world.
“SXSW London will also provide a platform for the next generation of creative talent and we will be working hard to ensure that opportunities for learning, employment and community uplift are at the heart of everything we do.”
“This is an incredible new opportunity to highlight the elements that make SXSW unique in one of the most vibrant cities in Europe”
More details about the SXSW London 2025 programme will be announced in the coming months, with badges due to go on sale in October 2024.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring the SXSW experience to London,” says Jann Baskett, SXSW co-president and chief brand officer. “Following the success of SXSW Sydney, this is an incredible new opportunity to highlight the elements that make SXSW unique in one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. We look forward to forming deeper connections with our overseas community and bringing the conversations that start in Austin all the way to London.”
In addition to keynotes, music showcases, and innovations in tech, gaming and screen, SXSW London will introduce boundary pushing visual arts, design and fashion programming, with exhibitions and interactive and immersive experiences in public spaces across its east London campus.
SXSW London is produced under licence from SXSW LLC by Panarise, a live entertainment company established and owned by private investment firm Panarae. As SXSW’s European edition, SXSW London will have a particular emphasis on creative talent from across Europe and will also continue to develop Austin’s focus on climate action and sustainability.
“I am delighted to welcome SXSW to London for the first time ever – confirming our place at the heart of Europe’s tech and creative sectors and as a global capital of culture,” adds London mayor Sadiq Khan. “When I was part of SXSW in Austin in 2018, I saw first-hand the electric atmosphere of innovation SXSW creates and I can’t wait to be part of it again. This is a historic opportunity for London to once again bring the world’s most exciting talent together as part of our mission to build a better and more prosperous London for everyone.”
SXSW 2024 ran in Austin from 8-16 March, while SXSW Sydney is due to return from 14-20 October.
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The British Music Embassy (BME) at SXSW is hosting 50 emerging artists across 12 showcases highlighting the creativity and diversity of the UK music scene.
The showcases are taking place from 11-18 March, with nearly half already having hit the stage. The opening evening at The Courtyard saw Tyson, Low Island, Brooke Combe, Warmduscher play, while Sunday night witnessed a classical takeover with Classical For The Now followed by a live 3D/AV show from Max Cooper.
Monday night’s showcase was presented by Marshall, and hosted Gen & The Degenerates, Panic Shack, Red Rum Club, Kid Bookie, Dead Pony, and Noisy, while ATC Live presented Tuesday night’s showcase with Ishmael Ensemble, The Golden Dregs, The Goa Express, Sans Soucis, Mandy, Indiana and special guests Balming Tiger.
“ATC live are delighted to be back at the British Music Embassy at SXSW 2023,” says ATC’s Alex Bruford. “We welcome Folly Group, Ismael Ensemble, The Golden Dregs, The Goa Express, Sans Soucis and Balming Tiger for an dazzling and eclectic musical journey taking in post punk, new UK jazz, baritone crooning, psych rock, alternative RnB and multi-national alternative K-Pop.”
The 2023 SXSW (South by Southwest) festival and conference runs from 10-19 March in Austin, Texas.
The BME – the official UK residency at SXSW – will host further showcases until Saturday, featuring the likes of Sports Team, Venbee, The Orielles and Dream Wife
The BME – the official UK residency at SXSW – will host further showcases until Saturday, featuring the likes of Sports Team, Venbee, The Orielles and Dream Wife.
This year, it also joined forces with BBC Music Introducing to present the first ever BBC 1Xtra Introducing showcase, featuring six of the best breaking UK R&B, soul and afrobeat acts. The 12 March showcase included Samm Henshaw, Bellah, Miraa May, Obongjayar, SIPHO, and Yazmin Lacey.
The BME is organised by the Association of Independent Music (AIM), BBC Music Introducing, UK record labels association the BPI, the Department for Business & Trade, The Ivor Academy, The MMF’s Accelerator program, PPL, PRS for Music and PRS Foundation, in association with ATC, Bowers & Wilkins, Marshall, Production Park, Belfast City Council and media partners Consequence and Licks Magazine.
The live performances are being powered by Bowers & Wilkins Sound System in its first live appearance in over five years. It previously featured at music festivals including Primavera Sound and WOMAD, as well as on tour with Jamie XX.
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