Things are heating up in Palm Springs as the city prepares to welcome an energetic crowd of music lovers and famous faces to the hugely popular Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. One of the biggest festivals on the global calendar, the two-weekend musical extravaganza will showcase some of the hottest names in the British music industry, with talented acts such as Florence and the Machine and four-time BRIT-nominated singer songwriter George Ezra set to take centre stage.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will take place across two separate weekends in April (10-13 and 17-19), with the Empire Polo Club fields once again playing host to the action. Each year Coachella features six stages and some of the biggest stars in music, from rising newcomers to well-established artists. This year is no exception with rock icons AC/DC, rapper Drake and The White Stripes’ former frontman Jack White among the headline acts. As well as star musical performances, the event’s 80,000 festivalgoers can also enjoy Coachella’s retro funfair with its iconic ferris wheel, an impressive array of sculptural art and a spectacular desert setting with guaranteed sunshine.
Known as the playground of the stars, Palm Springs offers the ideal base to combine a short break or longer holiday with Coachella. Transfers are just as easy-going as everything else about this desert city, with various shuttle buses connecting all the main city hotels to the polo field. Partygoers without a ticket to Coachella will find endless pool parties dotted throughout Palm Springs - bringing the festival fun right to their doorstep.
Coachella marks the beginning of festival season in Palm Springs. There are a huge variety of musical events and festivals running throughout the year and catering for all tastes and budgets. Those with a preference for classical compositions can soak up the sounds and outdoor sunshine at Palm Springs Opera in the Park, while music lovers seeking a more western take on things can slide on their boots and stroll on down to Stagecoach – California’s Country Music Festival to enjoy performances from some of the most popular stars in country music and learn to “boot scoot” at the Honky Tonk Dance Hall.
