Hrh are a very well run and established festival , and are looking to grow even further with the addition of the Prog and AOR festivals. I've no doubt they will be successful , the only consideration I would put forward is even though the shows are 6 months apart , it might force a LOT of people to choose one or the other. The world is not a good place financially for almost everyone, a lack of jobs, money, disposable income makes for a very tight budget for lots of people. It's an expensive weekend for everyone attending Firefest, we are WELL AWARE of same. That's why we try and make it as good as we possibly can (meet and greets, free acoustic gigs,an extra charity night event with guest dj's etc. etc ) and primarily a LOT of bands that realistically there is little hope of seeing in the UK on tour...plus of course some reformations that people didn't expect . I'm just not sure that financially people can afford to attend both shows when you add up ticket cost, accomodation, travel and entertainment expenses. The danger is IF people are forced to choose , it may end up diluting the crowd to the point that neither show is capable of sustaining itself finacially and fans end up with nothing.
There is no jealousy or animosity betweek FF and HRH , I don't know anyone over at HRH or any of their team, I'm sure like Firefest, they are only interested in what they do , not what others are doing. Firefest will continue to bring 'name' acts from the genre along with one or two that you perhaps would not expect , but at all times staying within our melodic hard rock genre......as long as we continue to receive the amazing support that we do (mind you we have worked extremely hard to EARN the TRUST and respect of the people who buy tickets over the last nine years and I think Firefest and the atttendees enjoy a VERY SPECIAL relationship with each other that no other festival enjoys -THANKS GUYS) Time will tell if both FF and HRH will either complimet or hinder each other .....
Cheers
K