SXSW London confirms dates for inaugural 2025 festival

South By Southwest London has announced the dates of its inaugural edition, after confirming earlier this year that the festival will arrive in the UK for the first time next year.

The Austin, Texas showcase festival – which celebrates “the convergence of creativity, culture and technology”, will take over a selection of locations in Shoreditch next summer – 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.

Now, it’s been confirmed that June 2-7, 2025 will be the official date to put in your diary for SXSW’s British launch.

As well as the usual celebration of music and film, SXSW London will also offer a skills development programme in order to leave a legacy that will allow young people a path into creative industries.

eature initiatives for workforce development including partnerships with independent and community-led venues throughout the festival’s Shoreditch campus. Organisers are also planning a skills development programme that goes beyond the festival dates, in order to create a lasting legacy and pathway for young people into creative industries. 

New key hires for the event also include Clare Morris, the former Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity marketing lead, who will join SXSW London in September as director of marketing and communications.

On the film side, Anna Bogutskaya has also joined as head of screen. 

“Having made London my home, I’m so excited to be a part of bringing the SXSW energy to the city,” said Bogutskaya.

“SXSW London is going to be the biggest creative playground in Europe for filmmakers, musicians, artists and creatives. I’m beyond grateful to be a part of the stellar team shaping the festival and to be given the opportunity to curate films, series and conversations.”

Randel Bryan, SXSW London’s managing director said: “A shorter date format relative to SXSW in Austin will allow SXSW London to run its conference, music, screen and arts programmes at the same time, ensuring accessibility to multiple programming formats and diverse networking opportunities for attendees from different industries.

“Bringing SXSW to the streets of Shoreditch will allow us to create a festival like no other, one that unfolds across incredible indoor spaces whilst also showcasing creativity and artistic experiences in unique public spaces, allowing us to capture the energy and excitement of the summer.”