The popular festival-conference, SXSW, has formally announced its first-ever event in Europe, set to take place in 2025. After its 2023 debut in Sydney, organizers are now bringing the event to the iconic Shoreditch neighbourhood in London. The event will occur from June 2 to 7 in 2025 and is expected to attract over 20,000 attendees whilst generating over £75m for the UK economy.
Head of music for SXSW London, Adem Holness, promises an event that seamlessly incorporates the touchpoints of music, film, and technology – cross-pollinating diverse music communities and engaging individuals with unique experiences. Holness aims to provide attendees with an opportunity to work with different international music scenes, developing them while also creating and developing new ideation.
Holness further states that along with being a platform for broader European perspectives, the London debut will embrace its location by enabling newcomers to understand what London is all about. The vibrant hub of technology, unique nightlife, and diverse diasporic communities make Shoreditch the perfect location for SXSW London.
Despite the event generating great excitement, its creators are aware of the challenges that they faced in 2024 leading to dozens of artists and panellists boycotting the line-up in support of Palestine. SXSW London, therefore, aims to ensure that all attendees feel heard and included. The organizers have also taken steps to address this situation, announcing a new sponsor and making it clear that they welcome different viewpoints and stand behind the artists’ intentions to exercise their right to free speech.
In summary, SXSW London is aimed to be more than just a series of performances. Rather, it will create experiences around culture and moments surrounding it – a community that supports diversity and inclusion whilst giving attendees a chance to develop new ideas. Consequently, all eyes will be focused on London come June 2025, as the world eagerly watches and anticipates the beginning of one of the most innovative festivals-conferences to ever come to Europe
Read the full article on NME here: Read More