The Archers Celebrates 75 Years: Live Tour and Extended Archive Access Announced

1 January 2026 Media

A Historic Milestone for British Broadcasting

BBC Radio 4’s The Archers celebrated its 75th anniversary on 1 January 2026, marking the milestone with special programmes including a recreation of the first-ever scene from the original 1951 episode. Having aired more than 20,000 episodes, it is the world’s longest-running drama, by both number of episodes and duration. With more than five million listeners, it is Radio 4’s most listened-to non-news programme, and with more than one million listeners via the internet, the programme holds the record for BBC Radio online listening figures.

Stepping Out of the Studio: The Archers Live at 75

The long-running drama celebrates its 75th anniversary and steps out of the studio for a new live theatrical experience, touring the UK from June–November 2026. Hosted by award-winning comedian and Archers devotee Angela Barnes, each performance will feature a rotating cast of Archers actors, a BBC archivist and a live sound-effects specialist. The tour offers newcomers an accessible introduction to the drama’s world, while giving long-time listeners a rare look into how Ambridge is created – revealing the artistry behind the character work, development of storylines, and the unmistakable soundscape that define the series.

Extended Archive Access for Devoted Listeners

In recognition of the anniversary, the BBC has announced significant changes to how fans can access the programme. Episodes of The Archers will now be available on BBC Sounds for five years after broadcast, an increase from the previous 30-day window. This extension provides listeners unprecedented access to storylines and allows new audiences to discover the programme’s rich history.

Contemporary Drama Reflecting Modern Britain

Originally intended to educate both farmers and the public on modern agricultural methods, The Archers has evolved over the past 75 years and continues to reflect contemporary rural life, tackling pressing topical issues such as climate change, the economic challenges faced by farmers, domestic abuse, alcoholism and modern slavery. Today it remains one of the BBC’s most popular programmes and is currently the top on-demand show for listeners of all ages – as well as regularly topping the list of most popular on-demand programmes for listeners under 35. This remarkable cross-generational appeal demonstrates the programme’s continued relevance and ability to adapt to changing times whilst maintaining its distinctive character and charm.