SXSW London: Is This Muggle Tech Fest Worth More Than a Galleon?

Blimey SXSW in London?

Right so I was strolling through London minding my own business when I saw this sign for 'SXSW London.' I thought 'What in Merlin's beard is this?' Turns out it's this massive Muggle festival from America usually held in Austin Texas. They’ve brought it over here like those American tourists trying to understand Quidditch. Apparently it's a big deal for music film art and…technology. Hermione would be thrilled.

Khan's Cheeky Jabs (No Hexes Involved)

So Mayor Sadiq Khan he's giving this speech see? Talking about London being a hub for talent and all that. Then he starts taking these not so subtle digs at... well let’s just call him 'He Who Must Not Be Named' across the pond. Khan was all like 'While some folks are being all inward looking we're open for business!' You could practically hear the 'Oohs' and 'Aahs' from the crowd. It was almost as good as watching Snape get a taste of his own medicine.

Shoreditch Gets a Makeover (Less Graffiti More Branding)

They’ve set up shop in Shoreditch which is apparently the trendy place for techy Muggles. The whole area's plastered with SXSW branding. From murals to signs on lampposts it's everywhere! Seemed a bit much even for me. Although I suppose I am used to seeing my face on wanted posters so who am I to judge?

$24 Socks and Free Chocolate (Decisions Decisions)

First thing I got my press pass and a tote bag. Inside lo and behold a bar of chocolate! Priorities people priorities. Then I saw the official merchandise store. They were selling socks for £18 (that's $24 in Muggle money!). Bloody hell even Ron wouldn't pay that much for socks. But hey at least the chocolate was free.

AI: More Powerful Than Dumbledore?

The big buzz was Artificial Intelligence. Demis Hassabis from Google DeepMind reckons AI will be 'bigger' than the Industrial Revolution. He even said it could make people 'achieve superhuman things!' Crikey that's a bit much isn't it? Next thing you know we’ll have robots running Gringotts. He did warn about developing it responsibly though. Which is good because the last thing we need is another Voldemort but this time with algorithms.

No Time for R&B (Curse My Early Wake Up Call)

Apparently there were some music performances going on later but they start way too late for my old bones. I mean my 5 a.m. wake up call is practically a Howler if I ignore it. So I missed R&B star Tems which is a shame. I heard she's pretty good. But I guess I'll have to rely on social media for the gossip. Now if you'll excuse me I need a Firewhisky and a lie down.