NEWS | SXSW London 2025
- SHOWGRAPHERS
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
This June, for the first time in its 38-year history, the iconic SXSW festival trades Texas heat for London grit — and we couldn’t be more excited. From June 2–7, 2025, Shoreditch will host the European debut of one of the world’s most influential festivals, bringing together boundary-pushing music, trailblazing tech, forward-thinking film, and the kind of cultural conversations that usually happen way past midnight. It’s the start of a bold new chapter — not just for SXSW, but for London.
From Austin to East London
SXSW has long been a launchpad for artists and innovators who end up defining the next decade. Think Amy Winehouse before the fame, Billie Eilish before the Grammys, and tech start-ups that now live on your home screen. Now imagine that spirit transplanted into various venues across East London’s most creative square mile — from Shoreditch Town Hall’s Victorian elegance to Village Underground’s raw warehouse vibes.
The Music Festival: A Living, Breathing A&R Dream
Let’s be real: while SXSW touches every creative industry, the music is the heartbeat. The London edition is expected to channel that same raw energy that put Austin on the map — with a distinctly UK (and wider European) edge.
The lineup is already shaping up to be a vibrant mix of established stars and emerging talents. Headlining the festival is Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems, known for her soulful voice and global hits. Joining her are Brit Award-winner Mabel, whose catchy pop anthems have dominated charts, and NAO, the East London-based R&B artist celebrated for her unique blend of funk and soul.
We’re eagerly awaiting the full line-up announcement. As music journalists and photographers, we’re not just attending — we’re hunting for those breakout moments. The ones where a new artist silences a room or blows the roof off a 200-capacity venue, and you just know you’ve witnessed something special. Those are the images we want to capture, and the stories we want to tell.
Accreditation and Access
Media accreditation for SXSW London is open until April 25, and the process mirrors the Austin experience. A letter of assignment and proof of recent published work are required — but more than that, SXSW wants storytellers who get the spirit of the festival.
For us, that means being present in the big rooms, yes, but also in the quiet ones. In the alleyway where an artist’s nerves are louder than their guitar amp. In the crowd, where it all comes together.
A Festival With a Purpose
Beyond the lights and sounds, SXSW London is committed to doing good. 500 passes will be distributed to local charities and grassroots organizations to make the festival more accessible. Panels will address everything from climate action and AI ethics to how to build a sustainable creative career in a world that’s changing by the hour.
This isn’t just a festival for fun (although it will be). It’s also a space for meaningful exchange — for ideas that matter.
Our Bags Are Packed
SXSW London is shaping up to be one of the most exciting cultural events Europe has seen in years. By bringing together artists, thinkers, dreamers, and disruptors from around the world — and grounding it all in the edgy, electric heart of Shoreditch — this festival isn’t just making history. It’s inviting us to help write it.
We’re ready. Camera in hand. Pen uncapped. And eyes wide open for what’s next.
