Hundreds of thousands descend on Coachella for annual music festival

INDO, Calif. (KABC) -- Hundreds of thousands of fans from across the world are descending on the Coachella Valley this weekend for the annual music festival that has grown to massive popularity in recent years.

The fans are hoping to catch some of the 225 bands that are scheduled to take the stage. Those include modern performers like Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding and older acts like a reunion of the '80s rockers Guns N' Roses (including Axl Rose) and gospel singer Mavis Staples.

The strong winds blowing through the desert on Friday didn't deter fans - many of whom noted they came from much colder climes.

"I'm very happy with the weather, much better than back home at the moment," said Alex Cutajao, from Sydney, Australia. "We're just getting into winter so this is good!"

Local business owners have also grown to appreciate the festival and the massive influx of dollars it brings to the region.

"April is the best month out of the whole 12 months, because of the music festivals," said Paula Turner with the Shadow Hills RV Resort.