This might be the weirdest festival line-up of 2025 with Wyclef Jean and Joe Wicks

Compilation image of Joe Wicks doing a workout routine, Wyclef Jean with his guitar singing into microphone, and Katherine Ryan posing in a black and mesh dress
South by Southwest festival is coming to Europe for the first time in June – and it’s got quite the line up… (Picture: WireImage)

South by Southwest has just unveiled a weird but truly wonderful London line up, including the likes of Katherine Ryan, Joe Wicks and Wyclef Jean.

We’ve got whiplash from all the genres of fun on offer here, but the festival prides itself on bringing together artists, entrepreneurs and thought leaders.

In June the festival will take over venues, galleries, clubs and spaces around Shoreditch in east London.

Idris Elba, Tems and wellness guru Deepak Chopra are also among the first wave of speakers and performers announced for the Shoreditch festival, taking place on June 2 to 7.

Luther actor Idris, 52, will be showcasing his ‘multiple endeavours’ as an actor, filmmaker, philanthropist and musician over the weekend, while Grammy Award-winning musician Tems is the music headliner.

Invest Fest 2024
Wyclef Jean will be making an appearance to talk all things music (Picture: Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
"Gladiator II" The Royal Film Performance And Global Premiere - Arrivals
Katherine Ryan will be making an appearance too (Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Grammy Award-winning Wycleaf Jean – behind songs including Sweetest Girl, Wish You Were Here and Perfect Gentleman – will appear to discuss his charitable work and use of new technology in composing music.

Making its European debut in London, SXSW is not strictly a music festival, but more a convergence of industry and thought leaders, with talks, music and screen alongside a focus on new themes including visual arts and fashion.

Discussions are set to explore themes including innovation, society, robotics and AI.

Abbey Road Studios will bring Abbey Road: Studio Four to the festival; a new concept encompassing live music, conversations and immersive experiences.

"Sonic The Hedgehog 3" UK Premiere – Arrivals
Idris Elba is also on the line up (Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Flackstock 2024
And of course, Joe Wicks! (Picture: Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

SXSW London 2025 headliner line up

Alex Hirschi, Founder/Creator, Supercar Blondie

Ben Lamm, Co-founder & CEO, Colossal Biosciences

Callum “Callux” McGinley, Founder & Creator, The notwoways & After Party Studios

Deepak Chopra, NYT bestselling author and alternative medicine advocate

Idris Elba, actor, filmmaker, philanthropist, musician and founder of IE7 & The Akuna Group

James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing

Jean-Michel Jarre, artist and electronic music pioneer

Joe Wicks MBE, fitness coach, entrepreneur, and author

Katherine Ryan, Comedian

Wyclef Jean, award-winning producer and performer

On the music front, SXSW looks into underground new music scenes from the London perspective, with each venue aiming to become a gateway into a different new music movement. 

Tems will take the stage on 5 June 2025 at the Troxy. A limited number of general admission tickets go on sale on 4th March 2025, with a reserved allotment available exclusively for SXSW Platinum and Music Badge holders.

SXSW London will take place in Shoreditch from June 2 to 7, 2025.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

About admin