SXSW Festival to host London event for first time in 2025

South By Southwest (SXSW) has confirmed that a London edition of the festival will make its debut in 2025.

The Austin, Texas festival – which celebrates “the convergence of creativity, culture and technology”, will arrive in the UK for one week in June 2025.

According to an official release, the festival will take over a selection of locations in Shoreditch – with the location chosen for its creative edge, diversity, nightlife and culture.

It’s the first time that the festival has branched out into Europe, though SXSW Sydney took place as a one-off event in 2023.

“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,” said Randel Bryan, Managing Director 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.”

As well as previously hosting speakers such as Barack Obama, Dave Grohl and Steven Spielberg, the festival has also previously welcomed performances from the likes of Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, the late Amy Winehouse and Stormzy.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, added: “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.

“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.”

Further details about SXSW London 2025 will emerge in the coming months and attendance passes will go on sale in October. More info and registration can be found on the festival’s official website.