Coachella 2020 Has Been Postponed Due to Coronavirus

Along with Glastonbury, Coachella is one of the biggest, most famous and highly coveted music festivals in the world — the type of fest that everyone wishes they could nab a ticket to at least once. But 2020's eager revellers will need to wait a little longer to dance in a Californian field, with the festival joining the growing list of events changing plans due to the coronavirus.

Originally slated to take place across two weekends next month — April 10–12 and 17–19 — Coachella 2020 has been postponed until October. If you've been preparing to head along, or you've just blocked out those dates to watch the always-popular livestream, you'll now be catching sets by headliners Travis Scott, Frank Ocean and Rage Against the Machine on October 9–11 and 16–18.

Fest organisers haven't specifically commented on the lineup, but the event did post the full existing list of talent with its rescheduling announcement. So, for now, it's safe to assume that the same folks will hit the stage during the later timeslot — including Lana Del Rey, Flume, Calvin Harris, FKA Twigs, Run the Jewels, Charli XCX and Fatboy Slim.

Announcing the shift of dates in a statement, Coachella's powers-that-be said "while this decision comes at a time of universal uncertainty, we take the safety and health of our guests, staff and community very seriously. We urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials".

All ticket purchases for the original dates remaining valid for October — and for those no longer able to attend thanks to the postponement, refunds will be available.

As COVID-19 keeps spreading around the globe, this kind of news is quickly becoming the new normal. Already today, Australian winter arts festival Dark Mofo has pulled the plug on its 2020 iteration. Coachella's delay comes hot on the heels of South by Southwest's cancellation this past weekend, less than a week before it was due to kick off for 2020. Last week, new Bond flick No Time to Die pushed back its release from April to November, too — and for upcoming events such as the Tribeca and Cannes film festivals, the Tokyo Olympics, Eurovision and the aforementioned Glastonbury, cancellations and/or postponements seem increasingly likely.

Coachella will now run from October 9–11 and 16–18 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. To find out more information or register for the fest's waitlists, visit coachella.com.

To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.