Victorians will be invited to a free party featuring fireworks, music and appearances from World Cup players and legends at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl two days before the event kicks off in February.

The February 12 event will be beamed around the world to a live TV audience in the millions.

The coup, to be announced today, means Melbourne will play host to the opening party, the first match on Australian soil and the World Cup final at the MCG on March 29.

Cricket World Cup chief John Harnden said the opening ceremony would put the eyes of the world on Melbourne before Australia hosts the event for the first time in 23 years.

A fireworks spectacular and entertainment to reflect the 14 countries competing in the World Cup will be staged at the ceremony along with a “special moment’’ being kept under wraps by organisers.

Sport, Major Events and Tourism Minister Victorian Minister John Eren said the privilege of hosting the opening event meant Melbourne would set the standard for the rest of the 44-day tournament.

“We are delighted that Melburnians and visitors from all over the world will have a chance to attend this once-in-a-generation event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl,” he said.

The opening event in Melbourne will also be broadcast around Australia by Fox Sports and Channel 9.

Tournament co-host New Zealand will stage a separate opening event on the same evening in Christchurch.

Melbourne will host Australia’s first match — against England — at the MCG on February 14.

South Africa’s clash with India on February 22, Sri Lanka versus Bangladesh on February 26, the quarter-final on March 19 and the final will also be staged in Melbourne.

The opening party will be ticketed with up to four passes available to applicants.

Go to www.cricketworldcup.com from noon on January 12 to apply for tickets.