Eurovision Song Contest prepared for ash cloud complications

The organisers of the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest are well-prepared to deal with possible complications of disrupted air traffic, caused by the ash cloud from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Rehearsals for the 55th running of Europe's favourite TV-show started yesterday at the Telenor Arena in Oslo/Bærum. Preparations are on schedule.

"Weeks ago, we asked the participating delegations to consider alternative ways of transportation to Oslo, to make sure that all contestants arrive in time for their rehearsals," said Svante Stockselius, the Executive Supervisor of the contest on behalf of the European Broadcasing Union (EBU).

Many of the 39 participating delegations have already arrived in the host city of the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest, the others are scheduled to arrive in the days ahead.

"We are keeping a close eye on the forecasts, as a lot of journalists will be heading for Oslo in the days ahead. In case some journalists cannot make it to Oslo, we will setup additional online services to provide them with the necessary information to cover the event," said Sietse Bakker, Manager Communications & PR of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Fans from abroad who are planning to attend the shows live have over a week to make it to Oslo. The organisers recommend them to look for alternative ways of transportation, should the ash cloud misery continue.

The 55th Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Oslo, Norway. The Semi-Finals will be broadcast live from the Telenor Arena on 25 and 27 May, the Final on 29 May. Competitors from 39 countries take part in the musical battle, and it is up to viewers at home and some 200 professional jury members in all participating countries to determine the winner. Under the slogan Share The Moment some 120 million people are expected to tune in from Europe and beyond. The 2010 running of Europe's favourite TV-show is a co-production of Norwegian public broadcaster NRK and the European Broadcasting Union.


/Eurovision TV/