550 Baptized in Freezing North Sea at Bridlington as UK Faith Revival Grows
On October 10, 2026, Christian social media influencer Merlin Kraft organized a mass baptism at South Beach in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, where 550 people were baptized in the cold North Sea. The event, supported by Calvary Chapel York, drew a large crowd of onlookers and follows a similar gathering of 170 baptisms in Devon the previous month. Kraft says he plans to continue organizing events across the country.
On October 10, 2026, 550 people were baptized in the North Sea at South Beach in Bridlington, East Yorkshire. The event was organized by Merlin Kraft, a Christian social media influencer who runs the online ministry channel BibleLadUK.
Participants began gathering around 2:00 p.m., with baptisms starting at approximately 3:00 p.m. No formal registration was required. Before the baptisms began, the gospel was preached and the significance of the act was explained to those present.
The Bridlington event follows a smaller gathering Kraft organized the previous month at Bigbury-on-Sea in Devon, where 170 people were baptized. Calvary Chapel York hosted and supported the Bridlington event, providing information to connect new believers with local Bible-believing churches.
Kraft described the turnout as a sign of growing spiritual hunger across the United Kingdom. "We're going around the country with this. This isn't stopping soon," he said. He noted that he has received messages from people across Britain who are engaging with the Bible and expressing interest in Jesus Christ.
Despite the cold October water temperatures, organizers and participants described the day as extraordinary. Attendees were encouraged to bring warm clothing and towels. The event drew a large crowd of supporters who watched from the beach.
The baptisms took place in the North Sea, which can reach temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius in October. Participants described the experience as joyful and emotionally significant despite the cold.
CBN News and Premier Christian News covered the event, with reports noting the growing trend of public faith declarations in the United Kingdom. Kraft has indicated that future events are planned in other parts of the country.
