The show will kick off a national tour by the singer-songwriter, with Festival organisers saying the 90-minute set will include songs from throughout his career, including hits by Split Enz and Crowded House, as well as his solo albums.

A free open-air concert in Elder Park by Finn and Paul Kelly opened the 2013 Adelaide Festival, attracting around 25,000 people.

Capacity will be limited to 15,000 for the March 5 show, which will be held in the “Parc Palais”, the name given to the Festival dining and entertainment area that will surround the floating Riverbank Palais in Elder Park.

“As the sun sets and the stars come out over the beautiful Parc Palais, you’ll be able to say, ‘I was there!’,” Festival co-artistic director Neil Armfield said of the concert.

“It will be unforgettable.”