South by Southwest® (SXSW®) London has officially revealed its full music programme for June 2026, set to transform East London’s grassroots venues into a global stage. The festival's London debut will showcase an expansive, genre-spanning lineup that bridges the gap between local underground movements and international stardom.
The programme features a diverse array of special guests, including Dallas rap collective Cure for Paranoia, K-Pop idol Yunjin, Italian pop star Gaia, and Afrobeats sensation Oxlade. They are joined by UK talent such as grime artist Jords and reggae-inspired singer-songwriter Iyamah, alongside unconventional acts like the Finnish "bunnymetal" band Rabbit Cult.
A core mission of SXSW London is the celebration of East London’s independent venue culture. Iconic spaces such as Shoreditch Town Hall, XOYO, and Rich Mix will serve as the festival's hub. Adem Holness, Head of Music at SXSW London, emphasized that in an age of algorithmic curation, the festival aims to champion physical music communities. "If you want to understand where music is heading next, it starts in these rooms," Holness remarked.
The festival kicks off at Brick Lane Yard before transitioning into a multi-day schedule of curated stages. Collaboration is a key theme; NOTION will host acclaimed rapper Earl Sweatshirt at Shoreditch Town Hall, while Crack Magazine presents electronic innovator Sega Bodega in the atmospheric setting of Christ Church Spitalfields.
International sounds are well-represented through takeovers by Seoul Community Radio, Latino Life, and Island Wave. The week also highlights the UK's talent pipeline with showcases from The Brit School, BBC Asian Network, and House Gospel Choir. Thursday and Friday will see major R&B sets curated by DJ Ace—featuring Tiwa Savage—and alternative performances from post-punk outfit Shame.
SXSW London invites audiences to discover the future of music through the lens of the city's most vital independent spaces. Music wristbands are available now, with one-day passes starting at £25 and full-festival access priced at £79.
