SXSW Comes to London: What to Expect from the Festival’s European Debut

For the first time ever, South by Southwest (SXSW London 2025) is coming to London, bringing its renowned mix of music, film, and thought-provoking discussions straight to Shoreditch. Known for hosting some of the biggest names in entertainment, business, and tech—think Barack Obama, Steven Spielberg, Billie Eilish, and Amy Winehouse—expectations are sky-high for this major cultural event.

Taking place from 2nd to 7th June, SXSW London promises over 70 music events, 420 talks, and 250 film screenings, with dozens of venues in Shoreditch opening their doors for the occasion. And now, the first wave of headliners has been announced—and it’s an exciting mix of global superstars and industry trailblazers.

Who’s Speaking at SXSW London?

Among the confirmed speakers is Idris Elba, whose career spans acting, music, and philanthropy. He’ll be joined by Deepak Chopra, the wellness advocate and bestselling author, alongside Joe Wicks, aka ‘the nation’s PE teacher,’ who kept the UK moving during lockdown. Comedian Katherine Ryan is also on the bill, adding her signature sharp wit to the event.

Tech and business enthusiasts will be keen to hear from Alex Hirschi (aka Supercar Blondie), Ben Lamm (Colossal Biosciences CEO), and Callum McGinley (founder of Notwoways and After Party Studios), all of whom are known for disrupting their industries. Meanwhile, motorsport fans can look forward to insights from James Vowles, the team principal of Williams Racing.

For music lovers, Wyclef Jean, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Idris Elba will be bringing their perspectives on the future of sound and performance.

Music at SXSW London: First Headliners Announced

SXSW London has teamed up with Abbey Road Studios, BBC Introducing, Black Lives in Music, and City Splash Festival to curate a cutting-edge music lineup. And leading the charge as the first confirmed headliner? Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Tems.

Expect more big names to be added to the roster in the coming weeks, but the festival is already shaping up to be a landmark event for London’s music scene.

Film and Screenings: A Visionary Approach

The film programme is also kicking off with an exciting first announcement. Jenn Nkiru, best known for directing Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl music video, will be screening her latest work, The Great North, co-produced by Factory International and MOTHERSHIP.

Why SXSW London is a Big Deal

Max Alexander, CEO of SXSW London, summed up the excitement, saying:

“The names we’re announcing today embody the groundbreaking ideas, creative energy, and collaborative ethos that SXSW London will bring to Europe for the first time. From redefining industries to spotlighting cutting-edge music scenes, this is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of global creativity.”

According to the SXSW Official Site, the event has been a go-to festival for big ideas and creativity for years, and now it’s finally coming to London. The event has brought together industry leaders, artists, and tech pioneers from around the world, and its London debut is set to be a major moment. Whether you’re into music, film, business, or digital culture, it’s all about pushing boundaries and sparking new ideas.

Will you be heading to SXSW London 2025? What are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments! For more updates on London’s biggest cultural events, visit EyeOnLondon.

[Image Credit: Buildhollywood]

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!