In a shocking turn of events, Goldenvoice, the organizer of the biggest musical festival in the world, has just announced that this year’s Coachella will no longer be taking place at the usual Coachella Valley. Instead, it will be hosted in Irvington’s very own courtyard and in collaboration with Irvington High School.
The announcement stunned many all across the world. People could not fathom the thought that Coachella would someday move away from their iconic location — the vast and desolate desert the festival was named after.
In an interview with an ASG committee member, they stated: “After the overwhelming success of Newchella/Linkchella in the last few years, we felt the pressure to really up our game. Our activities director asked us: ‘What would happen if you just, called Coachella up? And ask them to host the festival here?’ Not sure if he was joking or not, but we did in fact pick up the phone and call Coachella up!”
Why Irvington? It appears that Coachella has long wanted to move away from the depressing desert that is the Coachella Valley, and shift to a more appealing and vibrant area. Goldenvoice felt that Irvington, with its lush green grass on the horseshoe, colorful blue tables, and tall standing trees in the middle of the courtyard, served as the perfect location for the festival.
The new festival, now dubbed “Vikechella,” has set its official date to be on May 21, 2025. Due to the last minute and urgent nature of the event, construction has already begun in the courtyard. Multiple platforms, gates, and other things of similar nature will be needed in order to successfully hold the event.
With the courtyard being closed and construction happening virtually around the clock, students have found it difficult to adapt to the new environment.
“The constant drilling noises in the background makes it really hard for me to focus during tests and quizzes,” one student comments. “Do you think the teacher will curve our scores more because of the noise?”
Meanwhile, some are more excited than others about the prospect of Coachella being moved to Irvington. Many students have already begun to brainstorm ways to sneak in without paying the outrageous ticket prices. Going through the back door of the gym, climbing the fence, or climbing a tree to jump into the courtyard are just a few ideas that have been whispered around campus.
Tickets will be sold for $1000 a piece, prices raised due to the venue upgrade. It is expected to be a bloodbath in order to get your hands on tickets. Due to the size of the courtyard, capacity is extremely limited.
But most exciting of all are the performances to be expected. Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Tyler the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, and many more musical artists, will be coming to Irvington to perform. Notably, Goldenvoice had also opened up a few slots for Irvington students to perform. Highlights include ICED, Irvington Sitaare, FYA, and one lucky student’s DECA presentation.
This new transition marks a new era of Irvington High School, where the future is full of unlimited possibilities. What’s next? Lollapalooza to Vikepalooza? Head in the Clouds into Head in the Textbooks? Camp Flog Gnaw to Camp Viking Tunnel?
