BIMM Wraps Up their Run on the SXSW London Roadshow Tour
This spring, BIMM partnered with SXSW London for their UK Roadshow tour across three cities: Bristol, Manchester, and Birmingham. Our students got the chance to perform live and attend exclusive talks and networking events with some of the most influential voices in today’s music and media scenes.
The tour kicked off in Bristol for a day packed full of student performances and inspiring industry panels. Speakers included Miles Leonard (Parlophone, Warner Music), James Threlfall (BBC Introducing), Emma Hardie (Aardman Studios), and Alyx Holcombe (BBC Radio 1), who explored themes like mentoring, intersectionality in the arts, and the evolving role of AI in creative industries.
In Manchester, the historic Dancehouse Theatre hosted the next event. The themes of mentorship and accessibility continued with BBC Introducing’s William Wolstenholme and Factory International’s Kiran Sethi, as well as a deep dive into AI as a creative collaborator with experts from Voice-Swap, RoEx and SID, and an insightful discussion on SXSW 2025 with Great Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, and artist OneDa.
In the evening, attention turned to live music at the iconic Night & Day Café. The showcase featured performances from emerging artists Noelle, July 7, and headliner Pyncher, with the addition of BIMM Manchester artists, Malcom and The Memory Club.
The final stop was Birmingham, where there was a huge turnout at the MetFilm and Performers campus on Floodgate Street. The day featured amazing performances from current BIMM Birmingham students, including Leah Wilcox, Kitty Bella, Bo Bardot, and many more.
The standout panel of the day focused on Birmingham’s vibrant and fast-evolving creative landscape. Panellists Martin Simms (Create Central), Faron McKenzie (BBC), Despa Robinson (BE83 Music Group), and Annabelle Bevan (Digbeth Loc Studios) shared their knowledge on Birmingham’s creative history, and discussed how local networks, venues, and music businesses are coming together to create new opportunities in the region.
Throughout the SXSW London Roadshow, BIMM students were more than just attendees – they were active contributors. From thoughtful questions during Q&As to bold performances on stage, their energy and talent helped make the tour a dynamic, forward-thinking celebration of the next generation in music and media.
With SXSW London on the horizon, we’re proud to have played a part in building momentum and offering our students a front-row seat to the conversations shaping the industry.
Providing real-world, hands-on experiences is at the heart of the BIMM experience. Our longstanding partnerships within the industry both inform what we offer and facilitate countless opportunities every year. Check out the opportunities we offer students.
