So, at long last, the press centre is open for business, the networks are working, the printers are printing and the lights are lighting. The first rehearsal for the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest gets underway and the show is firmly on the road.
The honour of being the first act to rehearse at this year's Eurovision Song Contest goes to Austria. Today, the first half of the semi final draw will rehearse in the order that they will perform at the Semi Final. The only exception is Israel, who will rehearse tomorrow due to a clash with one of the most important days in the national calender, Israeli Independence Day.
First rehearsals for the semifinal participants will be completed by tomorrow night, and second rehearsals take place across the weekend. The pre-qualified finalists will rehearse on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Wednesday and Thursday is for the dress rehearsals of the semifinal, and then the semifinal itself. Friday and Saturday will be for dress rehearsals, and then, the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest!
