WRITER, broadcaster, former MP and Government Whip Gyles Brandreth has been revealed as a keynote speaker at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Annual Conference at Carden Park Chester next year (January 25-28, 2026).
 
Gyles, who is now a Chancellor of the University of Chester, is well-known for sporting jolly jumpers, being an expert on royalty and a regular on television and radio shows.
 
Ben Harrison, GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, says: “Gyles is a ‘national treasure’ who is a regular guest on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ and Radio 4’s ‘Just a Minute’. On stage he has appeared as Malvolio in ‘Twelfth Night’, Lady Bracknell in ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ as well as in his own musical revue in London’s West End.
“On TV he has featured in ‘Have I Got News For You’, ‘QI’, ‘Would I Lie to You’, ‘Pointless’, ‘Countdown’ and ‘Celebrity Gogglebox’. His novels include seven Victorian murder mysteries featuring Oscar Wilde as his detective and he has published two acclaimed volumes of diaries, an autobiography, ‘Odd Boy Out’, and two best-selling royal biographies. 
“He is known for his witty quips and his entertaining repartee, so we’re very much looking forward to welcoming him to the podium on Tuesday, January 27 as our star-turn at our 2026 Conference, which forms part of our 60th anniversary year celebrations. We’re sure Gyles will bring a real buzz to proceedings with his presentation, which will resonate with us all, as it’s all about happiness, which is central to everyone’s working and home lives.”
His podcasts include ‘Something Rhymes With Purple’, all about words and language, which he presented with Susie Dent of Countdown fame, ‘The Commonwealth Poetry’ podcast with his daughter Aphra, and ‘Rosebud’, in which he talks to famous people about their early memories.
GCA CEO, Peter Burks, says: “We’re sure that Gyles will bring a lot of humour, as well as top tips in his presentation entitled ‘The Seven Secrets of Happiness’ and that he will send us away with smiles on our faces as we prepare for the busy spring season ahead.
 
“To find out more and book tickets, please go to the conference pages on our website members’ section or via https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/. 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.”  
The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide. 
Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.
The 2026 GCA Conference takes place at Carden Park Chester from January 25 until 28.
For further information and to book tickets for the 2026 GCA Conference, please visit www.gca.org.uk.