IT IS the hairstyle that never died. The beloved mullet seems to have made a comeback, but if you ask the locals at Kurri it never went out of fashion.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Mulletfest returned for its second year at the Chelmsford Hotel on Saturday.
After the mania that was created from the event last year, hundreds of people packed into the Kurri hotel to enjoy a bit of Australiana flair. This year also saw more than 100 entries in the array of mullet competitions - including the overall winner, the crown of best mullet of them all, going to Michelle 'Darlzy' Gearin'.
Father and son team Beau and Paul Baker from Kurri were happy to return for the second year of the event.
Beau, age four, has always had a mullet ever since he could grow long hair.
Mr Baker said no matter if people took home a prize or not, everyone was a winner at Mulletfest.
With drinks flowing freely, pub music and plenty of compliments being passed around, it seemed patrons agreed with this sentiment. Plus all the proceeds of the day were going to the Mark Hughes Foundation – started by brain cancer survivor and former Kurri Kurri lad Mark Hughes.
Lexi Ross, from Alyce's Hair Design, was on site to cut and style mullets for the day. She said Kurri and mullets go hand-in-hand and estimated that she cuts one mullet per week at the local salon.
"Personally, I think it has to be a tidy mullet, can't have a dirty mullet," she said.
"Short on the sides, but I like the curls, it can't be too straight.
"To be honest I don't think the mullet has ever really left. A lot of people just didn't see the mullet until Mulletfest became a thing. I've always cut mullets and I have for a long time.
"Half of our town have mullets and we all like to support the community and support each other."
It was not just the locals getting in on the action, with plenty of people travelling to the Hunter for the festivities.
Philby Masterton from Manly was keen to showcase his hairstyle on the weekend.
"This little bad boy, I have been growing it, patting it, for 14 months," he said.
- READ MORE: Mullet Fest 2018 a hit at Kurri Kurri
"Started a mullet, heard about the festival and we came up from Sydney for this."
Luke Wittrien from the Blue Mountains was also sporting an impressive mullet matched with a striking leopard-print suit.
"[I came] to show off the mullet and the suit and just get amongst it," he said.
"Words can't explain the mullet, it's something else, but its definitely worth a try so if you are thinking about it, go for it."
And with those wise-words another brave soul sat down at the cutting station to be transformed from an average joe, to a mullet lord.
While you’re with us, did you know The Herald is now offering breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up-to-date with all the local news - sign up here.