Forty six barbecue teams and bearded and moustachioed men from across Australia are bound for what organiser Jay Beaumont has dubbed “Pork Macquarie” for the second annual Blues and BBQ Festival.

“We are really excited this year to announce an amazing line up of blues bands, the inaugural Cutthroat Journal Beard and Moustache Championship and the Australian Barbecue Wars - the biggest barbecue competition in the southern hemisphere,” Mr Beaumont said.

The barbecue masters will be set-up at Sundowner on Friday in preparation for judging of their smokin’ barbecue meats from 3pm.

People can come along and check out the secret marinades and herbs and spices being applied and meet the teams in the barbecue pit yard.

You can have your tastebuds tantalised in preparation for the main event on Saturday with “whole hog” from Hillbilly Barbecue from 7pm until 8pm.

On Saturday from 9am until 2pm all are welcome to witness the judging of the BBQ Wars and the Beard and Moustache Championship. 

Foreshore Markets vendors will be on hand and gourmet food trucks serving authentic low’n’slow barbecue will be on the Town Green. 

Hastings favourites Bounty Hunters kick off the music side of things at 1.30pm on the main stage near the entrance to Sundowner.

At 2pm the event becomes for adult ticket holders only. 

There are still some tickets left, but more than 500 of the 700 allocated have been sold so be quick.

Winners will be announced at 3.15pm after a sweet set by Lords of Pinball. 

The music carries on with Sweet Lil Rider at 4pm, Frank Sultana & The Sinister Kids at 5pm, Chase the Sun at 6pm, Mia Dyson at 7pm and Henry Wagons at 8pm.

Craft Beer from local breweries and wine will be available for purchase.