Autumn Fires to play Download Festival 2025 and record EP after winning The Deal
The pop-punk five-piece have scooped the coveted prize
Last updated 9th May 2025
Following months of intense competition from some of the finest fast-ascending rock acts in the UK, we’re delighted to announce that pop punk quintet Autumn Fires are the winners of The Deal 2025.
Launched in January, hundreds of acts from a diverse array of rock subgenres entered a song in Kerrang! Radio and Marshall Records’ The Deal competition, before 50 finalists were whittled down for the public vote in February.
After five rounds of closely fought heats throughout the spring, the final 10 bands had their submitted songs judged by a panel that included representatives from Marshall, Download Festival and Live Nation, plus Kerrang! Radio presenters.
Thanks to their instantly infectious pop punk banger ‘Sandcastles’, Milton Keynes / North London band Autumn Fires were picked as the rightful winners of the coveted prize.
The victorious quintet will record an EP at Marshall Records' studios this summer that will also be marketed by the legendary imprint.
Autumn Fires will also have the prestigious honour of opening The Avalanche Stage at Download Festival on Saturday 14th June, and they will receive on-air plays on Kerrang! Radio’s airwaves.
As if that wasn’t enough, Autumn Fires will have a monthly consultation with Future History Management (Sleep Token, Holding Absence, Those Damn Crows) on how to make the most of this unique opportunity.
Marshall Records & Kerrang! Radio presents… The Deal concert:
On Tuesday 20th May 2025, Marshall Records and Kerrang! Radio in association with Worn Out are hosting The Deal concert at The Old Blue Last in East London.
Headlining is last year’s The Deal winners Mallavora with Autumn Fires joining them as the very special guests.
Tickets to the strictly 18+ event are completely free and available from Dice RIGHT HERE.
Get FREE tickets to The Deal concert
To find out more about Autumn Fires, read their official bio:
‘Autumn Fires are a five-piece pop-punk band hailing from Milton Keynes and North London, UK. Formed in 2020 during the lockdown, the band quickly made a name for themselves in the pop-punk and alternative music scenes. Their energetic sound, characterized by strong female vocals, dynamic songwriting, and honest lyrics, has resonated with audiences both in the UK and internationally.
‘The band consists of Charlotte Haimes (vocals), Callum Skea (guitar), Luca Testa (guitar), Neil Dowd (bass), and Daryl Humphries (drums). Their second EP, Sunnyside, released in 2022, solidified their position as one of the UK's most promising pop-punk acts. Tracks like ‘Chemical Burn’ and ‘Sandcastles’ have received international radio play.
‘Autumn Fires have shared stages with notable bands such as WSTR, As December Falls, Sleep Token, Skindred, The Bottom Line, Royals, and Two Year Break. Their live performances are known for their infectious energy and engaging presence.
‘With a steadily growing fanbase and a commitment to authentic, high-energy music, Autumn Fires continues to make waves in the pop-punk scene. Their music is available on all major streaming platforms, and they maintain an active presence on social media to connect with fans worldwide.’
You can also visit Autumn Fires' official website RIGHT HERE.
Huge congratulations to Autumn Fires from all the team at Kerrang! Radio. We'd also like to thank all the bands who submitted entries, and to the many thousands of you that voted in the heats.
The very first Download Festival in photos:
The Main Stage at Download Festival 2003
The very first Download Festival took place on the hallowed turf of Donington Park – home of the legendary Monsters of Rock – on Saturday 31st May to Sunday 1st June 2003.
Iron Maiden headline Download Festival 2003
Two-times Monsters of Rock headliners Iron Maiden topped the bill on the opening night of Download 2003.
Iron Maiden headline Download Festival 2003
Iron Maiden's performance at the inaugural Download Festival was part of their Give Me Ed... 'til I'm Dead Tour.
Deftones at Download Festival 2003
Other main stage performers on the Saturday were Marilyn Manson, Deftones (pictured), Ministry, InMe, Murderdolls, Amen, Funeral for a Friend, Stampin' Ground, Shadows Fall and Murder One.
Download Festival 2003 crowd
Years before the advent smartphones, the Download Festival 2003 faithful attended the event armed with disposable cameras.
Ministry at Download Festival 2003
Ministry's All Jourgenson sings into his understated microphone stand on the Saturday at Download Festival 2003.
HIM at Download Festival 2003
Ville Valo of Finnish gothic rockers HIM during the band's Saturday set on the Scuzz Stage. The second stage also boasted performances from A, Reel Big Fish, Taproot, Sepultura, Reef, SOiL, The Hellacopters, SikTh, 3 Colours Red, From Autumn To Ashes, Queen Adreena, Violent Delight, Arch Enemy, and Chimaria.
Download Festival 2003 crowd
Download Festival's name has a two meanings. The word 'Download' was a murky word at the time thanks to Napster and illegal downloading. Download was also seen as a Monsters of Rock for the 21st century and the internet would provide connectivity with its audience. Tickets had a download code on them so fans could get tracks by some of the bands performing.
Audioslave headline Download Festival 2003
Late rock legend Chris Cornell on stage with Audioslave during the band's main stage headline set on Sunday night at Download Festival 2003. It was Audioslave's only appearance at Download, however Chris Cornell would return with Soundgarden and as a solo artist.
Audioslave headline Download Festival 2003
Audioslave replaced original headliners Limp Bizkit on the line-up after Fred Durst and co. cancelled.
Keith Flint at Download Festival 2003
The late-great Keith Flint on stage with his fleeting solo band Flint on the Sunday at Download Festival 2003. The Prodigy headlined the second stage at Download Festival 2006 and 2009 before stepping up as main stage headliners in 2012.
Stone Sour's Corey Taylor at Download Festival 2003
Wearing a Union Jacket emblazoned with the words 'Donington' in marker pen, Corey Taylor played the very first Download Festival with Stone Sour. Slipknot have headlined Download five times since the festival's inception, and Corey has also performed as a solo artist over the past 21 years.
Metallica play secret set at Download Festival 2003
A truly landmark Download Festival moment, Metallica played a secret set on The Scuzz Stage on the Sunday afternoon.
Metallica play secret set at Download Festival 2003
Metallica performed a 10-song set on the rammed-to-the-rafters stage, including a clutch of tracks from their soon-to-be-released album 'St Anger'.
Metallica play secret set at Download Festival 2003
Also on The Scuzz Stage bill alongside Metallica on Sunday were NOFX, Boysetsfire, The Bouncing Souls, Strung Out, Thrice, Spunge, TSOL, The Real McKenzies, The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, Brand New, Instruction, Beatsteaks, Randy and Fabulous Disaster.
The Darkness' Justin Hawkins at Download Festival 2003
Justin Hawkins backstage before The Darkness' performance on The Main Stage. Audioslave, Zwan, Flint, Apocalyptica, Less Than Jake, Disturbed, Stone Sour, Evanescence, Mudvayne, Spineshank, One Minute Silence, Raging Speedhorn and Instruction also played on the second day.
Billy Corgan at Download Festival 2003
Billy Corgan on stage with Zwan on the Sunday at Download Festival 2003