IN PICTURES: Oxford's fifth annual beard festival

The fabulously furry lined up for a shot at greatness at the Oxford Beard Festival, which returned to the Tap Social, Botley, on Saturday. 

With rain lashing down outside, no expense was spared to ensure the pruned facial fuzz was looking its best. 

And with titles such as ‘best 70s pornstar’ up for grabs, the competition was fierce, with people travelling from far and wide to join in the fun. 

Mastermind Sue Higgins, 50, said: “We’ve gone all 70s this year - which was not the best choice for the weather. 

“All our flares are just soaking everything up. But people have really gone for it. We just love doing it and getting everyone together again has been so much fun.”

Drew Muncaster, from Somerset, channelled his inner village person to be named second best popstar. 

The 37-year-old, who drives trucks for posh retailer Laura Ashley, had cultivated his look for four years. 

Other winners were Russell Bristow who had the best sportstar tache and Lee Andrews who won in the psychedelic category.

Proving it wasn’t just for the men, local competitor Roz Hathway, from Cumnor, was showing off a carefully crafted denim beard, which had taken her ‘several cups of tea’ to make.

Along with friend Tabitha Frazerblanks, She was a hopeful in the ‘best handmade beard’ category.

The fifth edition of the festival was this year raising funds to support Oxford Food Bank and the Lion Barbers Collective. 

The latter is a charity, set up by barbers to support men with their mental health. 

Trustee Graham Miles said: “There is something about the intimacy of being in the barber’s chair that means men open up about problems they are experiencing. 

“We’re there to provide extra support and training so a barber knows where to send people if they need help.”