Like many thousands of potential European travellers, the Mount Charles Band is not alone at present at cursing the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Thursday flight

The band is due to fly to Norway on Thursday to take part in the Grenland Festival, but is now waiting like travellers all over Europe to find out if the airline authorities will allow flights to resume in time for them to make the trip.

Biting fingernails

Band Manager Derek Thomas is a man biting the last remnants of his fingernails to the bone it seems: "We are due to fly out of Stanstead on Thursday afternoon to Oslo, but at present we are waiting for news to as and when we will be able to fly."

Although the latest news has been a touch more encouraging, Derek is realistic about the possibility of Mount Charles being stuck in the UK. "We can potentially still make it to the contest if we fly as late as Friday, so it’s a question of wait and see at the moment."

We can potentially still make it to the contest if we fly as late as Friday, so it’s a question of wait and see at the momentBand Manager, Derek Thomas

Circumstances

The band has been making preparations for the trip for some considerable time, but this was a set of circumstances not even he could have envisaged. "Everyone has worked hard to organise the trip, and with 40 players and supporters all looking forward to it, we just have our fingers crossed. You couldn’t have foreseen this though."

Fantastic help

The Grenland Festival organisers have also tried as best as possible to help the band, whilst the only good news at the moment is that the band will not lose any money if they don’t board the flight in time.

Derek added: "The Grenland organisers have been fantastic and I can’t thank them enough. We won’t lose out financially as we are fully insured – and I’ve double-checked that! All we can hope is that things improve and we can make the original flight."

Back home

And if they get there will they be able to get back? Derek has thought of that possibility too. "First things first – lets get out there. Then we can worry about the return journey. You never know though — we might have an extended holiday if the volcano decides to erupt again."