Coachella – live updates from California music festival – The Independent

Did you know Coachella only made its inception into the world of festivals in 1999? However, due to its Southern California locale, a drought brought the festival to a pause in 2000.

It wasn’t until 2007, in an effort to compete with Lollapalooza’s recent expansion from a two-day event to three days, that the Coachella festival mimicked the extension.

The following year in 2008, Prince was added to the list of headliners after ticket sales slumped to a record low with its initial lineup of Roger Waters and Jack Johnson.

Read here for more fun facts about the festival’s history, including every single headline act throughout its 23 years.

There’s a lot to remember going into the three-day weekend, but here are just a few key things to know beforehand to make your experience go as smooth as possible.

You may bring backpacks, purses, handbags, totes, and fanny packs into the venue. They must not be bigger than 20” tall, 15” wide, and 9” thick when fully packed.

Lockers are available to rent, but it’s recommended you reserve one online beforehand, as there is a limited supply. They are located in the venue and are accessible during show hours from Friday to Sunday. Combo locks must be returned by 1am on Monday.

What time does the festival end?

According to the official website, the festival will conclude in the evenings around 1am on Friday and Saturday and 12am on Sunday.

Read here for a more extensive breakdown on the important things you need to know.

Rumour has it that Justin Bieber will reportedly make a surprise Coachella appearance during Daniel Caesar’s set, scheduled on Friday 15 April from 10:10pm – 10:55 pm PT.

The Canadian singer’s chart-topping song “Peaches,” features Caesar, along with Giveon.

According to TMZ, production sources revealed that Bieber will join Caesar to perform their 2021 hit song. It’s unknown if Giveon will also join the duo.

Lil Baby has set the Coachella rumour mill ablaze by tweeting his name alongside Ed Sheeran’s and a rocket ship emoji.

Could that mean a collaboration on the Coachella stage tonight? Only time will tell!

If you weren’t able to nab a wristband for the weekend, fear not. For the tenth year, fans can still access Coachella’s YouTube live stream via phone, desktop, smart TV, and the YouTube music app.

Weekend one’s live stream begins at 4pm PT/ 7pm ET on Friday 15 April and runs until the evening of Monday 18 April.

There will be three different channels available to choose from of varying performances happening simultaneously.

For more information regarding the live programming read here.

Over the past few years, the road to Coachella has become a place for artists to get the hype train rolling with flashy billboards advertising their festival slots. This year’s most fabulous comes from silky R&B singer Omar Apollo.

The first challenge for many Coachella attendees is braving the blistering heat while waiting in line to collect their wristbands. Hope everyone’s staying hydrated!

Coachella attendees will not be required to present Covid vaccination certificates, negative tests, or wear face masks at the festival this year. However, there will be on-site Covid testing tents.

Organisers said lifting these restrictions was in compliance with California state health guidelines, adding that they could be reinstated in view of changing public health conditions.

This could mean “changes to capacity, attendance procedures and entry requirements”, according to a statement posted on the official Coachella website.

Though organisers have recommended face coverings to protect against desert dust.

Read more here for any additional information regarding Coachella’s Covid protocols.

Coachella makes its big return this year with a colossal lineup of incredible performers.

But with so many great bands on the bill, it’s hard to know where to start. So if you’re in Indio for either weekend, here are the 12 must-see acts, according to The Independent’s Roisin O’Connor.

The HU: Outdoor Theatre on Friday 15 April, 2:55pm – 3:55pm PT

Arlo Parks: Gobi on Saturday 16 April, 4:50pm – 5:35pm PT

Billie Eilish: Coachella Stage on Saturday 16 April 16, 11:30pm – 12:55am PT

Emotional Oranges: Mojave on Sunday 17 April 17, 3:50pm – 4:30pm PT

Rina Sawayama: Gobi on Saturday 16 April 16, 6:00pm – 6:45pm PT

Phoebe Bridgers: Outdoor Theatre on Friday 15 April 15, 9:10pm – 10:10pm PT

Dave: Mojave on Sunday 17 April, 7:15pm – 8:00 pm PT

Hot Chip: Gobi on Saturday 16 April, 10:50pm – 11:35pm PT

Koffee: Coachella Stage on Saturday 16 April, 2:00pm – 2:40pm PT

Måneskin: Mojave on Sunday 17 April, 8:30pm – 9:15pm PT

Omar Apollo: Outdoor Theatre on Friday 15 April, 5:05pm – 5:50pm PT

Rich Brian: Sahara on Saturday 16 April, 9:40pm – 10:25pm PT

Read here for an in-depth breakdown as to why these are the artists you absolutely cannot miss!

“Happy @coachella set time anxiety day to all who observe,” one person joked on social media.

However, later that day, the event’s big bosses finally unveiled the full schedule.

Find the entire schedule of slated performances for Coachella’s Weekend 1, from Harry Styles’ big desert festival debut on Friday at 11:35pm PT, Billie Eilish’s Saturday performance at 11:30pm PT, Swedish House Mafia with the Weeknd’s closing day performance at 10:20pm PT on Sunday, and all of the artists in between.

A previously unannounced set from the band Arcade Fire also features on the bill, with the group playing at 6:45pm PT on the night of Friday 15 April