Introductions
Woodkern
A bit about us
Woodkern is a seven piece folk band from the South-West. They utilise traditional material from all corners of the folk scene with original songwriting and interpretations, to innovative takes on traditional tunes and songs, creating a sound with an engaging breadth. The majority of the band were raised on the folk scene which has encouraged a strong value for the importance for upholding heritage of folk music.
Over the past summer of 2026 they have been catching attention on the folk scene while doing the festival circuit in the South West at the first Fisherman's Friends Festival, Trowbridge Festival, Sidmouth Folk Festival, and Beautiful Days Festival.
Origins
The dawn Chorus
All of the members were on the folk scene before the conception of the band, Kessenyan had made a strong name for themselves on the Cornish scene as an acapella shanty and folk trio, the two Kessells having been on the folk scene simply by birthright. Karenza Lily-May became known through her solo gigs, and being from Padstow has a deep connection with the May Day tradition, Eva, Max and Karenza were all members of the Cornwall Youth Folk Ensemble, performing at the Hall for Cornwall. Lliy Lakeman Became known for her strong and powerful songwriting, focusing on stories and people from her local area, performing at places such as sidmouth and dartmoor folk festivals
Due to the fact Lowender Celtic Festival in Redruth was having a year off in 2025, Olly came up with the idea to host their own youth focused evening of folk music, with the other members of Kessenyan; Ruby and Harry, and other young people they had on the scene through sessions and folk events. As there were no other chances to spend time with other folkies, Kessenyan met Lily at sidmouth folk festival that summer of 2025 and invited her to join the evening. On the 20th of December the seven members of what would become Woodkern first performed together in perran-ar-worthel village hall, at their Dawn Chorus event
Meet the Band
Lily Lakeman
Piano/vocals
A contemporary folk singer-songwriter, from Dartmoor. She writes narrative driven ballads, often about the women of her local folklore and history, as well as introspective songs that echo the feeling of the folk revival from the 60s and 70s.
Harry Kessell
Vocals/Bouzouki/Concertina
A folk singer and multi-instrumentalist (Concertina and Bouzouki) from Redruth, Cornwall, brought up in the traditional folk scene, he takes inspiration from time honored songs and artists such as, the Wilsons, Jink’s stack, Caroline keane, Nic Jones and Martin Simpson.
Karenza Lily-May
Vocals/Accordian/guitar
A young musician from Padstow Cornwall, whose music blends Celtic, Cornish, folk and contemporary traditions. Her performances bring together the rich textures of accordion and guitar. Her songs carry stories of people, land and sea, some drawn from tradition, others original
Olly Kessell
Vocals/Banjo/Guitar
A banjoist, guitarist and vocalist from Redruth, Cornwall. He specialises in playing traditional, modern and original tunes from different celtic and folk traditions. He blends techniques to create his own unique sound which stems from influences from musicians such as Damien O'Kane, Enda Scahill and John Doyle.
Max Morrison
Voclas/Whistle/Gaita
Eva Reid
Violin
A fiddle player from Falmouth, Cornwall with a love for exploring different genres of folk music. She particularly enjoys Cornish and Bal folk tunes and has been part of several ensembles including the National Youth Folk Ensemble