SXSW London Returns in 2026: Submissions are open & What to Expect
SXSW London is gearing up for its third year, promising another dynamic convergence of technology, business, and creativity. The festival will once again take place in east London from June 1-6, building on the success of its 2025 edition held in Shoreditch. If you’re looking for a forward-thinking event that sparks innovation, here’s everything you need to know about SXSW London 2026.
Key Dates & How to Participate
Tickets for SXSW London 2026 will launch on October 20th via the official festival website: https://www.sxswlondon.com/. But participation doesn’t stop at attendance. You can actively shape the festival’s content through submissions!
* Conference Submissions: Open now,closing December 7th. Public voting begins December 8th.
* Music Submissions: Open now, closing November 24th.
* Screen Submissions: Open now, closing December 31st.
The submission process is tiered, with public votes influencing selections reviewed by an advisory group and editorial team for the conference. music and screen festival submissions are judged by industry professionals.
A Look Back at SXSW London 2025
Last year’s festival was a resounding success, showcasing a diverse range of talent and ideas. Highlights included:
* A captivating live performance by Tems as part of Billboard’s ”The Stage.”
* The European premiere of the Eminem documentary, Stans.
* A notable visit from King Charles.
* A total of 400 talks, 1067 speakers, 562 music performances, and 114 film and TV screenings.
Notably, the 2025 edition attracted nearly 10,000 submissions across its three core areas – screen, conference, and music – with the conference strand alone garnering 40,000 public votes.
What to Expect in 2026: Conference Tracks & Focus Areas
SXSW London 2026 will feature 15 “forward-thinking” conference tracks designed to explore the cutting edge of various industries. These include:
* Artificial Intelligence
* Startup Innovation
* Immersive Realities
The festival aims to foster “unexpected perspectives and bold conversations,” according to Katy Arnander, Director of Programming for SXSW London. She emphasizes the event’s commitment to building a platform for convergence across technology, business, and creativity.
Why SXSW London Matters
SXSW london isn’t just another festival; it’s a crucial hub for innovation and networking. it provides a unique environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish within a major global capital.
As Arnander states, the open submissions process allows the festival to be built around “what is most current and vital” in these rapidly evolving sectors. If you’re looking to connect with industry leaders, discover emerging trends, or showcase your own work, SXSW London 2026 is an event you won’t want to miss.
