SXSW to expand with a London edition in 2025
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Historically Austin-based festival South by Southwest is expanding across the pond next year.
The conference, which is known for its convergence of music, film, education and technology, announced Wednesday that it's planning a European edition for June 2025.
South by Southwest London will launch in June of next year, expanding the reach of the nearly four-decade-old festival, marking the first time it has gone outside of Austin.
The festival started in Austin in 1987 with its homebase as the Austin Convention Center. The only other time the Convention Center was not the main hub of the festival were the years 2020 and 2021, when it was a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the future location in Austin for the festival is uncertain, as the Convention Center is set to be rebuilt for an expansion project starting after SXSW 2025 concludes in the Capital City. It should be noted that the festival has not indicated any plans to forego hosting its annual conference in Austin.
In an announcement, SXSW said its London edition will "bring its own distinctive personality, driven by London's internationally renowned cultural life and creativity, its status as a global meeting place, and its proximity to other major creative and tech centers in Europe."
SXSW London will take place in Shoreditch over the course of a week in June, taking over dozens of venues, galleries, clubs, and other spaces. Shoreditch is an area in east London, renowned as a center for creativity, technological innovation, diversity, global cuisine and nightlife, according to the announcement.
"SXSW London will build upon London’s place within the community of over 20 million people working in the creative and technology sectors across Europe," the announcement said. "In the UK alone, the cultural and creative industries contribute £125 billion, with London contributing more than half of the UK’s entire creative industries economic output."
The London edition of the fest will still feature keynote speakers, music showcases, and tech, gaming and film events, like Austin, but it will also 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 will have a particular emphasis on creative talent from across Europe, while still encouraging the convergence of creativity and culture, unexpected discoveries, and connections between visitors, the announcement said.
It will also continue to develop Austin's focus on climate action and sustainability, with the ambition to "drive positive change for future generations."
"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.
"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."
Randel Bryan, Managing Director of SXSW London
Badges will go on sale in October 2024. More details about the SXSW London 2025 program are yet to be announced. You can register your interest for the event online.
SXSW London can be found on most social media platforms as @SXSWLondon or @SXSWLondon2025.