Riga, May 20 (LETA) - Ticket sales for the XIII Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival will gradually start in a week, on May 27, LETA was informed by Linda Ertmane, the public relations manager of the festival.

On Tuesday, the State Education Development Agency (VIAA) signed a contract with Bilesu Paradize for sales, administration and electronic ticket control services for the XIII Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival.

Ticket sales on the website of Bilesu Paradize, www.bilesuparadize.lv, will start on Tuesday, May 27, and the sales will start out gradually to different concerts and events.

Tickets will initially be sold online only, but from Monday, June 2, they will also be available at the box office.

As reported, upon hearing a complaint lodged by Bilesu Serviss ticketing company, the Public Procurement Monitoring Bureau (IUB) has decided to let the State Education Development Agency (VIAA) to conclude a contract with rival ticketing platform Bilesu Paradize for the distribution of tickets to the XIII Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival, according to information available on the IUB's website.

Although the School Youth Song and Dance Festival is only a month and a half away, ticket sales have not yet started, as the final decision on the ticket seller had not yet been taken due to the procurement dispute.

The XIII Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival is expected to gather around 37,550 participants this summer, including 33,630 children and young people, according to information compiled by the festival organizers after the registration closes.

Up to 2 percent of the total seating capacity for the festive events are reserved for invitations.

The festival will take place in Riga on July 5-13. More than 30 events will take place at more than 15 venues.