The Ashen Keys and the John Ward Trio

THE ASHEN KEYS are a multi instrumental, multi voiced celebration of heartfelt storytelling from Kent.

Their sound tells of influences from folk, blues, pop, classical and even early music.

Expect to be taken on a journey through dark folk tales, bittersweet love stories and reveries on nature, all with exquisite vocal harmonies and unique instrumentation.

The Ashen Keys's have performed at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, Rochester Cathedral, Black Deer Festival, and at Shrewsbury Folk Festival as one of the winners of the 2023 Launchpad competition.

The Ashen Keys released their debut album, The Name on Your Compass, in September 2024.

One of their most popular songs from the album, Gathering, was featured in the Fatea Showcase Sessions Spring 2025.JOHN WARD has achieved an excellent reputation as a writer of powerful, thought-provoking and witty songs that draw upon his life in a gritty port town, his wider travels in the world, and often capture the spirit of the times.John performs with wife, Lynne, and band mate, Les Woodley, as the imaginatively titled John Ward Trio! This line-up delivers powerful 3-part harmonies, with acoustic guitar, bodhran, harmonica, double bass, mandolin, accordion and recorder to bring a fuller sound to John's excellent songs.

The Trio also draws on its wider repertoire of traditional and contemporary folk tunes.

Their performances are authentic and heartfelt, engaging audiences with their choice of material, thoughtful arrangements, versatility and humour, which all blend to delight and entertain folk audiences in intimate venues and bigger stages alike.