SXSW London Returns with Expanded Global Programme and AI Focus
SXSW London returns to Shoreditch for its second edition from June 1–6, 2026, bringing together global leaders, creators, and innovators for a festival spanning Conference, Music, Screen, and 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 with a significantly expanded programme.
Scale and Scope
The 2026 festival will feature 300+ conference sessions across 16 tracks and six core themes, alongside live performances, screenings, and exhibitions across Shoreditch. The programme reflects a deliberate convergence — business, culture, and policy are treated as interconnected, with founders, policymakers, creatives, and investors all participating in conversations that reflect the realities shaping society today.
Six Core Themes
The sessions span six thematic pillars:
- AI and Power: The rise of AI as a question of power, governance, and global influence
- Health and Longevity: Advances driven by data and emerging technologies
- Culture and Social Change: The role of creative communities in driving societal transformation
- Media and Trust: Misinformation and shifting media dynamics impacting public trust
- Creator Economy: Evolution in an algorithm-driven landscape
- Frontier Technologies: Real-world applications from robotics to XR
Notable Speakers
SXSW London 2026 confirmed an impressive speaker lineup:
- Nick Clegg — Former UK Deputy Prime Minister; VC, Hiro Capital
- Anthony and Joe Russo — Directors, AGBO
- Rose Wang — Chief Operating Officer, Bluesky
- Jackie Jantos — CEO, 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
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. The introduction of a strengthened Conference programme alongside dedicated Music, Screen, and Visual Arts strands mirrors the convergence that defines SXSW globally.
Key Takeaway
SXSW London 2026 positions itself not as a satellite event but as a genuine European platform for forward-looking conversations. The emphasis on AI governance — treating artificial intelligence as a question of power, not just technology — signals the festival's evolution from a tech showcase to a forum for societal debate. With London playing the role of host city rather than backdrop, the festival leverages the city's unique position at the intersection of business, culture, technology, and policy.
Key Takeaways
- 300+ conference sessions across 16 tracks and six core themes
- AI governance and frontier tech are central to the programme
- Speaker lineup spans tech (Bluesky, Synthesia, Google Maps), entertainment (Russo Brothers), and policy (Nick Clegg)
- London edition is part of a 10-year commitment, now in year two
- Festival runs June 1–6, 2026 in Shoreditch