Alternately referred to as either ‘the influencer olympics’ or ‘urban outfitters: the musical’, Coachella has become so much more than just a music festival. It is among the most coveted global music, fashion and travel events in the world. And now, it has joined the growing list of events being rescheduled or cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Yes, eager music fans and influencers alike will need to postpone braid appointments and re-order their faux henna tattoos for later in the year.

Originally scheduled to take place across two weekends in April (April 10-12 and April 17-19), Coachella has announced that the event will now take place in October.

In a statement posted to the Coachella website and twitter account, the festival organisers state:

“At the direction of the County of Riverside and local health authorities, we must sadly confirm the rescheduling of Coachella and Stagecoach due to COVID-19 concerns. 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.”

Coachella will now take place on October 9, 10 and 11 and October 16, 17 and 18, 2020. Stagecoach will take place on October 23, 24 and 25, 2020.

While they haven’t commented specifically on the line-up, which includes headliners Travis Scott, Frank Ocean and Rage Against the Machine, the organisers have stated that they will honour all ticket purchases for the rescheduled October dates. If you have a ticket and are unable to attend, you will be notified by email by Friday March 13th, 2020 of how to obtain a refund.

Coachella joins the list of festivals – including Dark Mofo and South by Southwest – which have now been postponed due to the spread of COVID-19.

This announcement comes hot on the heels of the Walt Disney Company’s announcement that it would temporarily close Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Park, California Adventure Park and Walt Disney World to protect guests and cast members and limit the spread of the coronavirus.