In order to reach Oslo, Norway in time for their first rehearsal on Saturday 22nd May, British delegation is planning a long journey; Josh Dubovie, British representative in The Eurovision Song Contest this year, will have to travel for 36 hours by coach and ferries. During the journey BBC will be filming some highlights as part of the BBC Three coverage of the semi finals

As esctoday.com earlier reported, British delegation have prepared a back-up travel plan. Due to the volcanic ash clouds and imminent airline strikes BBC decided that the best way to reach the Norwegian capital in time for the scheduled rehearsal of Saturday 22nd May is a 36-hour journey. The planned route is as follows:

– Coach trip from TV Centre, London to Harwich

– North Sea crossing on ferry to Esbjerg, Denmark

– Three hours' drive northwards through Denmark

– Ferry from Hirtshals in North Denmark to Larvik in Norway

– Coach from Larvik to Oslo.

Phil Parsons, Head of the UK Delegation, and Executive Producer for the BBC's Eurovision coverage said: "Last week with the BA strike looming and the ash cloud heading towards us, I decided that flying was just too big a risk. Josh gets his first rehearsal on the Oslo stage on Saturday afternoon and we just can't afford to miss it. So we're setting off on an epic 36-hour journey by coach, ferry, coach, ferry and coach again. It'll take more than a volcano to stop us! And we'll be shooting the high jinks on the high seas for a film as part of our BBC Three coverage of the Semi Finals."