Today, the British Music Embassy (BME) has announced its SXSW 2026 schedule, with performances from 58 of the UK’s most exciting new and emerging breakthrough artists. Chalk, Bricknasty, MT Jones, Adult DVD and Panic Shack are among this year’s hotly-tipped performers set to take the stage during ten showcases, across seven days, Thursday, March 12 until Wednesday, March 18. The BME returns to the 700-capacity, two-stage indoor and outdoor Palm Door on Sixth Street.
The British Music Embassy is the official UK musical presence at SXSW, with an array of panels, performances and showcases celebrating the best of the British music scene. A collaboration between music licensing companies PPL and PRS, UK record labels association the BPI, the Department for Business & Trade (DBT), the British Council, PRS Foundation and BBC Introducing as lead media partner, since launching at SXSW in 2008, the BME has hosted shows for 715 UK acts, many of whom have gone on to significant critical and commercial acclaim.
Now in its 19th edition, BME stages have played host to some of the UK’s most celebrated acts, including the likes of Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, Little Simz, Jungle and The 1975. For many artists on the line-up, the showcase represents their first time performing in the United States, making it a major opportunity to reach international audiences at a key point in their development. Last year’s performers included BRIT Award winner and Mercury Prize nominee Jacob Alon, BRIT Award nominees Confidence Man and Sam Ryder, Mercury Prize nominee corto.alto and many more.
With this year’s Monday showcase, SXSW will get a taste of one of Europe’s biggest events as Kolt AI and Happaning pay homage to a major cultural tradition, in a year marking 60 years of Notting Hill Carnival. Bringing the hugely popular energy of UK carnival celebrations to the U.S., the event will feature masquerade dancers, the legendary Rampage Sound playing dancehall, R&B, hip-hop and more, plus a line-up of fantastic performers and special guests.
UK House will also be returning alongside BME, March 14-17, offering a not-to-be-missed destination for some of the UK’s most disruptive emerging technology companies, from virtual production to immersive entertainment. Hosted by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), UK House is a pop-up event bringing a curated programme of events, demonstrations and networking opportunities.
The BME is also working with a range of programming partners for day parties and evening showcases throughout the week. Evening showcases will be hosted by [PIAS], BBC Introducing, West London Carnival on 6th and Liift/Chris Hawkins, while daytime events will be hosted by Northern Sound, DBT Wales, and Future Arts and Culture.
Production Park will once again deliver the production, ensuring UK artists benefit from world class stage production and design, with production partners including the Academy of Live Technology, Elation Lighting, Allen & Heath, Creative Technology and more.
