June 1, 2011 9:45

Coachella festival to double in size from 2012

Event in Californian desert will run over two weekends starting from next year

Photo: Guy Eppel

Coachella festival will run over two weekends from 2012, its organisers have revealed.

A statement on the festival’s website claimed that they were expanding the event – which was headlined by Arcade Fire, Kings Of Leon and Kanye West last month at at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California – so they could accommodate larger audiences.

"In an effort to try and accommodate everyone who wants to experience the festival, Coachella 2012 will be two separate events, held over two consecutive weekends. We will attempt to produce two identical festival weekends,” a statement said. "That means same lineup, same art, same place, different people."

"We know many of you were unable to attend this year's festival because passes sold out much sooner than anticipated. We were truly surprised by the overwhelming response and remain honoured by your passion and enthusiasm.''

The first weekend of next year’s festival will now run from April 13-15, with the second weekend following on April 20-22.