The Wembley stadium has missed its 2005 completion date

On Saturday 3 March the stadium will open for a community day for Brent residents. Some 20,000 people are expected to attend.

It will be a test event as part of the safety certificate application process for May's FA Cup final.

A gig by rock band Muse has already been confirmed as the first concert to be held at the new venue on 16 June.

Brent residents and businesses wishing to attend the event should write to WSCD tickets, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, HA9 9HD by 15 February, with their name, address, email and phone number.

Tickets can be picked up from the Town hall before the end of February.

'World-class venue'

Residents will be asked to test some of the stadium's key facilities, such as turnstiles and escalators.

They will even take part in a synchronised flush of the toilets.

Brent youngsters will also take part in a football "skills and drills" session. Celebrity teams will also compete in a mini tournament.

Alex Horne, Wembley Stadium's managing director, said: "We have been working closely with our colleagues at Brent Council to ensure that local Brent residents are the first to see inside the new stadium.

"Local people will not only be getting a preview of the new world-class venue but will also play an important part in helping us to get the national stadium up and running for the rest of the nation to enjoy."

Muse play the new stadium on 16 June

Councillor Paul Lorber, leader of Brent Council, said: "It is fitting that prior to its official opening Brent residents and businesses will be the first to experience the new Wembley Stadium, which has already dramatically changed the local landscape and will bring economic and regeneration benefits for the local community."

The �757m ground was to reopen in August 2005, but a series of hold-ups led to several high-profile music and sports events being postponed.

The Rolling Stones, Take That, Bon Jovi and Robbie Williams were forced to switch venues, while last year's FA Cup final was played in Cardiff instead.

The FA Cup final is due to take place on 19 May this year.