After the shorter Assembly in London this year, the annual gathering of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and BMS World Mission will be back in Blackpool held over four days starting on Friday night and finishing on Monday lunchtime (3-6 May).

The event's theme is 'Like Stars in the Universe', and it is based around Philippians. Speakers this year include incoming BUGB president Ernie Whalley, regional minister team leader of the East Midland Baptist Association Dianne Tidball, lead minister of Edmonton Baptist Church Joe Kapolyo and lead pastor of Gold Hill Baptist Church Malcolm Duncan. 

The event will see a new look seminar programme which organisers say will 'focus on equipping us for service and growing healthy churches'.

 A special stream will be led by the BUGB Younger Leaders' Forum and there will be a preaching masterclass by former BWA president and BUGB general secretary David Coffey MBE and friends.

Returning to lead worship is Andy Scarcliffe, minister of Portobello Baptist Church in Edinburgh who did so when the Assembly was last held at the Norbreck Hotel in 2011.  The event will be hosted as always by BUGB general secretary Jonathan Edwards and BMS general director David Kerrigan.

There will be a full programme provided for children and young people.

For more information visit the new look Baptist Assembly website at www.baptistassembly.org.uk.