The second annual Blues and BBQ Festival fires up at Sundowner Tourist Park and Town Green from 3pm Friday.

Organiser Jay Beaumont said 46 teams will have their coals glowing from early in the morning as they prepare their secret recipes for the judges.

"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 aroma of smoking ribs and beef will be hard to resist as you wander around the barbecue pit area at Sundowner, but you will be able to tuck into the "whole hog" from Hillbilly Barbecue from about 6pm.

On Saturday from 9am until 2pm all are welcome on the Town Green to check out the vendors from the Foreshore Markets, see the judging of the Barbecue Wars and the Beard and Moustache Championship, and enjoy some delicious low 'n' slow barbecue from gourmet food trucks That BBQ Joint, Carlos & Co, Rangers Texas BBQ, Bella BBQ and XS Foods.

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, at $50 a ticket. There'll be an announcement of the hirsute winners and loads of barbecue happiness to be had.

The judges, including co-founder and head judge for the Australasian Barbecue Alliance and creator of the internationally acclaimed Carnivores Ball, Jess Pryles, (otherwise known as Burger Mary) will announce the winners of the cook-off at 3.15pm after a sweet set by Lords of Pinball.

The music carries on with Sweet Lil Rider at 4pm, Frank Sultana and The Sinister Kids at 5pm, Chase the Sun at 6pm, Mia Dyson at 7pm and Henry Wagons at 8pm, thanks to co-organiser Scott Mesiti of Sand Events.

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

vickii.byram@fairfaxmedia.com.au