After being forced to cancel for the first time in 34 years in 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic, South By Southwest (SXSW) have announced 'SXSW Online' for their 2021 edition.

The festival, which has taken place in Austin, Texas since 1987, is set to return in 2021 with a new "digital experience", from March 16 to March 20.

“The challenge of building a new future is one that we’re excited to tackle," says SXSW's CEO and co-founder Roland Swenson. "This has been such a year of change and we, like the entire world, are reshaping our perspective on how we connect. We’re pleased to be working on SXSW Online as part of our program for 2021, and regardless of platform, we will continue to bring together the brightest minds from creative industries worldwide."

In a statement, the festival revealed that SXSW Online will feature "conference keynotes and sessions, screenings, showcases, networking, and exhibitions."

The SXSW organisers have also revealed that, "in lieu of the standard showcase application process, the Music Festival will be curated by programming staff with priority given to showcase presenters and artists who were scheduled for the 2020."

The Irish artists scheduled for the 2020 event included Tebi Rex, Pillow Queens, The Murder Capital, Autre Monde, Lilla Vargen, Ryan Vail & Elma Orkestra, Ailbhe Reddy and more.

In addition to SXSW's "digital experience" for 2021, organisers have also revealed that they are "working with the City of Austin and public health authorities on plans for a physical event in 2021."