Countdown To Coachella

Alright, so most of you won't be able to get out there - but for those who can, Coachella is set to be a spectacular start to the summer.

Placed in the middle of the Californian desert, Coachella has carved out a reputation as one of the world's finest music events with a series of exclusive performances and, of course, the sizzling weather.

This year is sure to be no exception. Festival organisers have the uncanny ability of securing exclusive reformations, but this year they failed in an audacious bid to book The Smiths. Undaunted, Coachella simply booked Morrissey who has just completed a sensational tour of the United States.

Amongst the big hitters on this year's bill are iconic songwriter Leonard Cohen, TV On The Radio and M.I.A.. The Sri Lankan born singer recently gave birth, and has not performed live since the Grammy Awards ceremony earlier this year.

The festival will be closed on Sunday (April 19th) by goth legends The Cure. Founded in the post punk milieu, The Cure are still massive in America. However the big questions fans are asking is: will Robert Smith's make up run in the heat?

Joining the group on the final night are incendiary hip hop troupe Public Enemy, Mod icon Paul Weller and rejuvenated black-clad Londoners The Horrors.

The Kills are also set to perform, with lead singer Alison Mosshart having joined Jack White on his new project The Dead Weather.

Other acts booked to perform at the event include White Lies, The Ting Tings and The Hold Steady, who are busy putting the finishing touches to a forthcoming tour documentary.

Coachella is set to take place between April 17th - 19th.