Richard Coles to speak at our Conference & tickets go on sale today
BROADCASTER, former popstar and Church of England priest Reverend Richard Coles is speaking at our annual conference in January 2027…and tickets go on sale today (June 22, 2026).
Richard will take to the podium on Tuesday, January 26 at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, bringing his unique perspective on life, leadership, community and connection to delegates.
Thought-provoking perspectives
Our Chairman and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison, who is organising the conference with our CEO Peter Burks, explains: “It’s brilliant news that Reverend Richard Coles will be joining us as one of our headline speakers for our 2027 GCA Conference. His ability to combine humour, honesty and thought-provoking perspectives makes him a hugely engaging speaker and we’re confident he will be a real highlight of the conference programme.
“Tickets have gone on sale today, June 22, 2026, via the members’ section on our website and there’s an early bird 10% discount available for those booking before the end of July. So, if you’re keen to hear Richard speak as well as all the other two wonderful headline speakers we’ve already announced – Sir Jason Kenny and Justin King – then get booked up soon, as we expect tickets to sell fast.”
Chart-topping
From 1980s pop star to parish priest, broadcaster and now best-selling crime writer, Richard Coles has built a remarkable and diverse career.
He first rose to fame as one half of pop band The Communards, alongside Jimmy Somerville, achieving three UK Top 10 hits, including the 1986 chart-topping single ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’.
Following the band’s split in 1988, Richard later found a new calling in the Church, studying theology at King’s College London before being ordained in 2005. He went on to serve as a parish priest, most notably in Finedon, Northamptonshire, until his retirement from clerical duties in 2022.
Extraordinary & varied career
Ben adds: “Richard has had an extraordinary and varied career and his insights into people, communities and communication will resonate strongly with our members.”
Alongside his ministry, Richard has enjoyed a successful broadcasting career, including 12 years as co-presenter of BBC Radio 4’s ‘Saturday Live’, as well as appearances on popular television programmes such as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, ‘Celebrity MasterChef’ and in 2024 ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’, where he reached the final.
Inclusion, trust & community
He is also a best-selling author and regular conference speaker, known for addressing topics including mental health, ethics, diversity and inclusion, trust and community.
Peter concludes: “Richard brings a truly unique mix of experiences that set him apart as a speaker. From music and media to ministry and writing, he has an exceptional ability to connect with audiences and share meaningful insights.
“Our conference is all about engaging our members and Richard’s perspective on people, resilience and community will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. We’ve an exciting and diverse line-up of speakers for 2027 and we look forward to announcing more presenter details soon.”
How to book tickets
Tickets for the 2027 GCA Conference at Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, January 24–27, 2027, are on sale via the members’ section of our website.
An early bird 10% off discount will also be available for those booking before the end of July 2026.
There is also a dedicated email conference@gca.org.uk for any queries anyone may have. If non-members would like to join us, so they can attend, please email info@gca.org.uk.
Not a member?
If you’d like to join us so you can attend our annual conference, please get in touch here.
Photo copyright Matt Crockett.