Mullet enthusiasts from across Australia assembled in a small country town on Saturday (February 24) to celebrate 'the mullet lifestyle' and crown a 'greatest mullet of all'.

Laura Johnson, publican of the Chelmsford Hotel in Kurri Kurri, conceived the idea of an inaugural Mullet haircut festival as a way to bring people into the community.

Over 150 contestants' mullets were categorised into five groups - everyday, grubby, 'ranga' (red hair), women's and juniors. Shane 'Shag' Hanrahan, who began growing his mullet cut in 1986 - won the highly coveted award for the 'greatest mullet of all'.

The short on top and sides, long at the back mullet hairstyle was glamourised in the 1970s and 80s.