And about 4000 people are expected to answer the call to escape to the third Bitter and Twisted International Boutique Beer Festival at Maitland Gaol on Saturday and Sunday.

As well as fine ales and fine food set amongst the iron bars of the cells, there’ll also be a line-up of a different kind to what previous occupants were used to.

This one is a who’s who of music, with Clare Bowditch, Ash Grunwald and Afro Moses and the Reggae Spirit scheduled to provide the soundtrack to two days of unbridled homage to beer, and everything that goes with it.

The event will also be an educational experience, with experts on hand for beer and food matching, and home brew.

Maitland Tourism Manager Rachel MacLucas said ticket sales indicated the event was on track to be its biggest year yet.

“We’ve sold more tickets to date than at this time last year,” she said on Thursday.

“We sent out an offer to social clubs through businesses and some of them have taken us up on that, we’ve gotten bookings for about 20 people at a time.

“We’ve got people coming from everywhere – the furthest away so far has been London.”

Day release and weekend detention passes are available at the gate. For more information, visit www.bitterandtwisted.com.au