Crafted Live launched in Orange last March to great success, with Wollongong picked as the next stomping ground for brew and barbie lovers to unite at MacCabe Park next Easter.

“Life’s too short to drink crappy beer,” Rollin said.

“People are starting to appreciate the intricacies of craft beer and the way that brewers are using various methods with hops and yeast and all the rest to create different styles of beer and palate finishes.

“And Australia is experiencing a bit of a surge in the American style of barbecue.”

The Illawarra was the perfect choice for the next event he said, flowing on from the explosion of 65 new small bars and cafes in the past two years.

The festival will see a “low and slow competition barbecue” colliding with a craft beer showcase, a range of masterclasses and live music headlined by Tex Perkins and Ash Grunwald.

The competition barbie will see teams compete across six meat categories including beef, pork, pork ribs, lamb, chicken and chef’s choice.

Crafted Live runs across April 15 and 16 2017 with the hope to becoming an annual event. Tickets go on sale December 1.

For further information visit: www.craftedlive.com