SXSW (South by South West) is coming to London this summer, bringing with it a stellar lineup of special musical guests.
For the first time, the popular multi-disciplinary festival will be taking over parts of Shoreditch this June and playing host to a number of conferences, film screenings, music, and cultural events.
Better known for its Texas counterpart, SXSW London is set to see some of the biggest names in the creative world converge for the week-long East London extravaganza.
While it was previously announced that stars like Idris Elba and Tems would be among the event, little was known about what other music would be in store until now.
This week, SXSW London organisers unveiled some headline music acts that visitors can see throughout the event, including Mabel, Alice Glass, and NAO.
A further 100 showcase acts have been confirmed, spanning across various genres and promising to give guests a taste of the future of London’s thriving music scene.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Adem Holness, Head of Music for SXSW London said: "One of the things I love most about London is that you can step out of any tube station and find yourself in a distinct community.
“That's exactly how I want our festival to feel — each of our music venues will be a gateway into a different international new music scene. We're collaborating with the most exciting pioneers in underground music movements to present the future of music from their unique perspectives, and I'm beyond excited by the artists they've chosen to platform."
So, what can visitors expect from London’s first SXSW festival? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is SXSW?
SXSW is a convergence of music festivals, cultural events, and conferences usually held yearly in Austin, Texas that’s been branded a “launchpad for game-changing innovation and ideas.”
Founded in 1987, the event claims to help “creative people achieve their goals” by combining a mix of creative and technological industries in an amalgamation of creativity, entertainment, and innovation.
Dubbed a “hotbed for culture”, London was chosen to be the first host city of the European leg of the SXSW festival and will host for the first time this summer.
The London festival is also thought to be one of the biggest cross-industry events in Europe, allowing attendees to network far and wide throughout the global tech, creative, and business industries.
When and where is SXSW London?
SXSW London will take place between June 2 and June 7 across over 30 Shoreditch venues, transforming East London into a vast and immersive festival.
What artists will play at SXSW London?
There will be a lot of music to discover throughout the week, including performances from Tems, Mabel, Sienna Spiro, Sasha Keable, Miraa May, Alice Glass, and NAO.
Shoreditch Town Hall will host The House of R&B throughout the week, bringing together some of the best emerging UK and international voices in R&B.
Strongrooms will also host the Caribbean Music House, where guests can discover the very best sounds from the Caribbean diaspora.
The event will also feature a spotlight on queer music and include a Future of Classical Music Series, while Village Underground and XOYO will play host to a range of electronic music artsists.
What guests will attend SXSW London?
As you’ve already figured, SXSW London is not just about the music.
Throughout the week, there will also be a number of conferences, screenings, and panel discussions that bring together leading voices from around the world.
Speakers include actor and activist Idris Elba, actor and philanthropist Gillian Anderson, comedian Katherine Ryan, as well as Google Deepmind CEO Sir Demis Hassabis, and OnlyFans CEO Keily Blair.
A full list of SXSW London speakers can be found here.
Buy tickets for SXSW London
There are actually a number of different tickets available depending on whether you want to experience the entire festival or just parts of it.
The Three-day Full Festival Access pass costs £595, while the music pass costs £650, but you can also get your hands on a Single music festival wristbands from £65.
Prices also go as high as £1,300 for the Platinum pass, which unlocks access to the entire festival.
For more information on what types of tickets are available, visit the SXSW ticket comparison page.
