Photo Credit: Randel Bryan, Managing Director, SXSW London
SXSW is launching in London in 2025, focusing a wider lens on the region’s culture and creativity, rather than music as a main focus.
South by Southwest (SXSW) has increasingly become a global platform to celebrate innovation and propel the careers of creatives. Now, SXSW London arrives in 2025 to expand the footprint of one of the world’s most sought-after creative events. SXSW London promises to bring its own distinctive personality, driven by London’s cultural life and creativity, over the course of a week in June 2025.
As SXSW’s European edition, SXSW London will have a particular emphasis on creative talent from across Europe. SXSW London will continue to encourage the convergence of creativity and culture, unexpected discoveries, and connections between visitors, creating opportunities for performers, attendees, and the broader London community to collaborate and innovate.
SXSW London will take over dozens of venues, galleries, clubs, and other spaces in Shoreditch, East London, renowned as a vibrant center for creativity and technological innovation, as well as its diversity and energetic nightlife.
The event will build upon London’s place within the creative and tech sectors across Europe; in the UK alone, the cultural and creative industries contribute £125 billion ($156 billion), with London contributing over half of the UK’s entire creative industry’s economic output.
“As a lifelong 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,” Bryan continues.
“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.”
In addition to music showcases and innovations in tech, gaming, and screen, SXSW London will introduce visual arts, design, and fashion programming, with exhibitions and interactive and immersive experiences in public spaces across its East London campus.
Staying true to SXSW’s roots, SXSW London will continue to develop Austin’s focus on climate action and sustainability, with the ambition to drive positive change for future generations.
“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 Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.
“When I was part of SXSW in Austin in 2018, I saw firsthand 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.”
More details about SXSW London 2025 will be announced in the coming months, with badges due to go on sale in October of this year.
