An iconic cultural movement, SXSW has made history since its 1987 launch in Austin, Texas. A roll call of legendary firsts at the festival have propelled global cultural icons into the stratosphere and helped new voices rise above the noise. Celebrating the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture, South by Southwest is a launchpad for game-changing innovation and ideas. SXSW is where Billie Eilish first performed, James Blunt and John Mayer got discovered, and Stormzy launched his US tour, not forgetting standout performances from artists like Amy Winehouse, Dua Lipa and Skepta. Twitter (now X) and Airbnb skyrocketed after the platforms launched at the festival, and rallying keynotes from Barack Obama, Bill Gates and Elon Musk inspired crowds.
It’s where Oscar-winners and breakout indie sensations found fame, chart-topping films like *Bridesmaids* and *Knocked Up* debuted, and visionary directors, Greta Gerwig and Christopher Nolan made their mark. This is the backdrop for the first-ever SXSW London, where the next wave of iconic moments will make history.
Evolution
SXSW London:
South by Southwest London
London is the chosen host city for Europe’s SXSW Festival, the ultimate platform for innovation, discovery and creative convergence. East London is Europe’s hub of creativity and technology, and an epicentre of innovation across artforms and industries, from technology to advertising, finance to fashion. A hotbed for culture, the city also plays a vital role in the visual arts with international reach.
A gateway to the world, London connects continents, from Europe and Africa to Asia with an energy attracting phenomenal international talent who cross paths with influential names. SXSW London is a truly global meeting place, welcoming our European neighbours and global partners as one connected community to foster expression and spark ideas to shape the future and make history.
