COACHELLA - COOCHIE COO, COACHELLA BABY

California's COACHELLA FESTIVAL became a mum on Saturday (30APR05) when the annual two-day desert music event staged its first pregnancy.

One young rock fan went into labour early in the sweltering 88 degree heat at the Indio, California event and had to be dashed to hospital.

A spokesman for the festival says, "We're hearing mother and baby are well. We actually have an action plan in the event of something like this, so we were well prepared.

"The new mum just seemed to be a little disappointed that she would miss COLDPLAY's set at the end of the day."

Meanwhile, medics on site reported a more sensible crowd than in recent years, who were fighting off dehydration and heat-related illnesses by drinking plenty of water and seeking shade.

A source says, "I think the biggest problem this year has been blisters."

Headlining at the annual event this year were Coldplay, NINE INCH NAILS, WEEZER, the PRODIGY, BAUHAUS, WILCO and GANG OF FOUR.