April 22, 2026 | London, United Kingdom — This summer, SXSW® London returns to Shoreditch for its second iteration from June 1–6, bringing together global leaders, creators and innovators for a festival spanning Conference, Music and Screen, alongside Visual Arts. Part of a 10-year commitment to the city and inspired by more than 40 years of SXSW in Austin, the London edition builds on the energy of its inaugural year, offering a European platform for the conversations shaping the future.
SXSW London 2026 will feature 300+ conference sessions across 16 tracks and six core themes, alongside live performances, screenings and exhibitions across Shoreditch. The programme reflects a shift in how industries now operate. Business, culture and policy are no longer separate, and SXSW London is designed to bring them into the same space – with founders, policymakers, creatives and investors all taking part in conversations reflecting the realities shaping society today.
What’s new for 2026
Following a successful first year, SXSW London returns with an expanded programme, broader international reach and a sharper focus on the themes defining the current moment, from artificial intelligence and digital influence to health innovation and the future of creativity.
The 2026 festival introduces a strengthened Conference programme alongside dedicated Music, Screen and Visual Arts strands, reflecting the convergence that defines SXSW globally.
Programme highlights
Across the six core themes, sessions will explore:
• The rise of AI as a question of power, governance and global influence
• Advances in health and longevity driven by data and emerging technologies
• The role of culture and creative communities in driving social change
• The impact of misinformation and shifting media dynamics on public trust
• The evolution of the creator economy in an algorithm-driven landscape
• The real-world application of frontier technologies, from robotics to XR
Speakers
SXSW London 2026 will feature voices including:
• Nick Clegg – Former UK Deputy Prime Minister; VC, Hiro Capital
• Anthony and Joe Russo – Directors, AGBO
• Rose Wang – Chief Operating Officer, Bluesky
• Jackie Jantos – Chief Executive Officer, Hinge
• Josh Payne – Founder & CEO, Nscale
• Lars Rasmussen – Co-founder, Google Maps
• Victor Riparbelli – CEO, Synthesia
• Jill Scott MBE – Broadcaster & Lioness
• Mike Skinner – Musician, The Streets
• Katharine Hamnett – Designer & Activist
SXSW London is built around the idea that London is not merely a backdrop, but plays a key role in the festival itself – naturally bringing together business, culture, technology and policy in the real world, creating the conditions for ideas to be tested and challenged in a truly unique environment. Set across Shoreditch, the festival reflects this dynamic, drawing on London’s position as a global centre for creative and commercial activity, while creating space for open debate at a time when industries continue to evolve.
Badges are available now via the website, with options across Conference, Music and Screen.
For more information, visit www.sxswlondon.com
