Mulletfest 2020

After the runaway international success that was the inaugural Mulletfest in 2018, the event that had tongues wagging from Kurri Kurri to Russia and UK is back at the Chelmsford Hotel for it's third year. We have even been granted an extra day this year just to celebrate the Mullet in 2020....February 29.

We decided to kick off this year in the most Aussie place we could think of so we took the Mulletfest ute to the Summernats in Canberra. We even ran into the one and only Shannon Noll, who took the opportunity to rev up the engine. The Mulletfest Team and Nollsie were both on site to crown the Grand Mullet champion at the Summernats. We are looking forward to seeing some of the entrants at the Chelmsford Hotel next month.

What began as an idea over drinks in a small NSW country town and quickly became the talk of the nation as mullet growers and lovers turned up in droves to celebrate the uniquely Aussie style. We are on the lookout once again for the ultimate classic Aussie haircut.

Last year we crowded our first female over all winner. Our own Mulletfest Queen, Michelle Gearin. She embodied everything the festival stands for, embracing your hair style with grace, class and a sensational attitude to life. Michelle said when she first got the iconic do, her thoughts were about not getting a hair cut dictated by a fashion mag but something practical that worked for her and we have to say, she rocked it. With 169 entries last year, organisers are hoping to top this number with entries from all over the country and for those sporting the classic cut overseas, there is even an international category.

There are 10 categories this year. The Juniors are split into 4 groups 0 - 3 years, 4 to 7 years, 8 to 13 years and 14 to 18 years. Then we have Everyday, Extreme, Grubby, Ranga, International and Vintage.

It's also your change to raise money for a cause close to our hearts, the Mark Hughes Foundation. Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in children, and adults aged under 40 in Australia, yet alarmingly very little is known about brain cancer, its causes or how it is treated! That is why the Mark Hughes Foundation was formed so that research can be carried out to decrease mortality rates and decrease the incident of brain cancer in Australia.

Part of the reason the money raised has always gone to brain cancer research is the close friendship between creator of Mulletfest and licencee of The Chelly, Laura Johnson and Matt and Carly Forster. Matt was diagnosed with Brain Cancer in 2011. Thankful Matt responded well to treatment and the couple went on to have two beautiful children. Carly appeared on Sunrise just prior to last years festival, with Matt smiling at her proudly off camera, to talk about the important work done by the Mark Hughes Foundation and how instrumental they had been during her and Matt's journey.

Sadly just days after last years event, Matt fell ill and and soon after lost his battle with the disease. It was heartbreaking for this young family to lose a husband and a father and a real world reminder that there is still so much work to be done.

So whether you are sporting a mullet, know someone who is or your just want to come and join the fun and support a great cause, we can't think of a better way to spend your Saturday afternoon.

Thanks to all out great sponsors, there are bands and family entertainment for the kids in this historic country pub. Festivities kick off from 10am. Mulletfest is the same day as A Day on the Green with A Ha and Rick Astley (there is a lot of former mullets in the valley that weekend). What better place to kick off and epic day. We raised $5k in 2019 and want to beat that this year so come on down and help up out. If you are not in the area, there is merch available on the website and plenty of ways to get involved. For more details follow us on Facebook or Instagram and we will keep you up to date on the categories and how to enter.

Mulletfest was born out of tough times and an idea to help rebuild the town, because that's what Aussie's do. For months now the whole country has been on fire. The brave souls fighting the blazes and keeping us safe are never far from our minds. An amazing job done by true Australian heroes. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and our hair.