SXSW-Style Event for London Planned by Mayoral Hopeful Ken Livingstone

Posted on Aug 13th 2010 8:00AM by Chris Cope
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An event similar to the Texas SXSW festival could be staged in London if ex-mayor Ken Livingstone gets his way.

He has thrown his hat into the ring for the Labour candidacy for the next Mayoral election -- and if he is eventually re-elected then he will press ahead with plans to boost the city's music scene, reports NME.

In policy published on Wednesday, Aug. 11, called 'Ken4Music', Livingstone outlined plans to create a festival/expo similar to SXSW, with a high emphasis on the music industry, whilst he has also devised plans to help protect London's music venues.

In a statement on his website, he said, "London's music scene is as much part of the capital's life blood as the buses and trains that take millions to gigs, concerts and festivals in the capital each year."

He added, "I want London to host a regular music festival, taking the example of the successful Austin, Texas South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, which generates millions for the local economy and provides a focus for music nationally and internationally."

He added, "I believe the Mayor of London must be passionate in backing live music and today I'm setting out some new ideas that will ensure that long term future of live music in the capital."

Livingstone also referred to plans to help ensure music venues don't fall foul of over-zealous development schemes by protecting them through planning law.

The plans follow moves from Livingstone to also help preserve London's pubs from closure.