SXSW comes to London
Posted on Sep 25, 2024 by Samara Husbands
SXSW debuts in London, June 2025, with tech, music, and arts programming, expecting 20,000 attendees and a £75 million boost to the UK economy
South by Southwest has announced that its first-ever European festival will take place on 2-7 June 2025 in Shoreditch, London. Celebrating ‘the convergence of creativity, culture and innovation’, SXSW London will build on the successes of sister events taking place in Austin, Texas and Sydney, Australia.
SXSW London is expected to attract some 20,000 attendees with its blend of cultural and tech programming, generating an anticipated £75 million for the UK economy. The event will feature initiatives for workforce development, including partnerships with independent and community-led venues. It will also offer a skills-development programme that goes beyond the festival dates, creating a long-lasting legacy and pathway for young people into creative industries.
These initiatives will feature alongside tech, music and screen programming, as well as an increased focus on arts and culture programming that will bring a distinct flavour to the London event relative to the other locales. There will also be an opportunity for the SXSW London community to have a significant voice in programming conference activities.
Helping to bring the plan to life will be new hires including former Cannes Lions marketing director Clare Morris; former BFI programmer Anna Bogutskaya; and artistic curator Beth Greenacre.
This article was first published in the October 2024 issue of Definition.
