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SXSW 2015: Miley Cyrus, Timbaland, Jimmy Kimmel and The Walking Dead stars descend on Austin festival
The festival is one of the hottest tickets of the year - with stars from music, film and even the tech world heading to Austin
Claire Rutter
(Image: Jimmy Kimmel Live/Getty)
SXSW is over. Those of us that were lucky enough to be there in Austin, Texas earlier this month will be just coming through the haze and back into the office. But what is SXSW festival and where are the best parties and events with the stars?
SXSW in held in Austin, Texas each year and plays host to the two-week tech, music and film festival.
2015 saw the likes of Snoop Dogg give the keynote speech where he revealed that he is starting his own TV show about the 80s on the West Coast, and also about his surprising friendship with country legend Willie Nelson.
Snoop Dogg at SXSW (Image: Getty / HBO Game Of Thrones)
Russell Brand's documentary, Brand: A Second Coming also debuted at the festival, but the British comedian decided at the last minute not to attend. Find out why here.
But while Russell missed out, there were many stars gracing Austin with their presence along with thousands of fans.
This year saw Jimmy Kimmel return to host his live shows in the city, with fans queuing up to four hours to get into the audience to watch the likes of Carol, Glen and Daryl from the Walking Dead join the show.
Kevin Hart, James Bay, The Weeknd and SXSW regular Willie Nelson were also there and you could see them if you got in line like everyone else. While you're doing that you're missing out on the panels and live shows - so it's a tough call.
Fader Fort
Miley Cyrus performs at THE FADER FORT Presented by Converse during SXSW in Austin, United States (Image: Getty)
Like a mini festival within itself, Fader Fort presented by Converse was definitely one of the biggest parties of the whole thing. With headline acts such as Hudson Mohawke, appearances from Timbaland, Miley Cyrus and even British grime star (and Kanye favourite) Skepta – not to mention the chance of new free kicks for lucky attendees – you could spend all day here.
You'd have to if you were in the FOUR hour queue – in the rain. It was definitely worth it to see the likes of Norman Reedus and Steven Yeun from the Walking Dead party on down. The stage was underneath a huge tent, so you did get some cover from the rain and there was a bar with free Jack Daniels cocktails. Bottoms up.
Spotify House
By far one of the most popular places to hang out, Spotify House is where I first got to listen to Leon Bridges, who has gone from a restaurant pot washer in a year to become the breakout star of SXSW.
Earl Sweatshirt was at Pandora - yeah he was (Image: Roger Kisby/Getty Images)
We don't get Pandora in the UK, but they certainly know how to create party den, with the likes of Lolawolf, Earl Sweatshirt, Wyclef Jean, Palma Violets and more hitting the stage.
Champion hitmaker Clement Marfo was in Austin performing at SXSW too!
Dazed & Arthur Baker presents: "The 808 Celebration"
The party was hosted by Dazed at Soho House with music from Arthur Baker and Hank Shocklee – making it one of the best parties of the whole festivals – with a selfie zone and champagne from hipster tumblers – what more could you want?
Hank Shockleee