Population 143,124
Famous natives Comedian Ricky Gervais, Oscar-winning actor Kate Winslet; and architect of The Natural History Museum in London, Alfred Waterhouse
Did you know? Jane Austen and her sisters were educated at The Abbey School in Reading
Reading
At the heart of the beautiful Thames Valley, Reading has become one of the UK’s fastest growing centres for business. In fact, a 2007 study by think tank Centre for Cities, found that Reading was the town with the fastest-growing economy in England.
It's not surprising then, that Reading is bang in the middle of the UK's Silicon Valley, with many of the world’s most successful technology companies - including Microsoft, Oracle Corporation and Symantec – choosing to set up their UK headquarters in the town.
Despite its economic success, Reading is not just all work and no play. The town has a full cultural calendar with many diverse events taking place throughout the year. In particular, the Reading Festival is renowned by music lovers both the in UK and abroad. The second largest UK music festival after Glastonbury, it attracts 80,000 fans every year.
Other popular events include the long running Community Carnival in May, the Children's Festival in May /June and the Real Ale and Jazz Festival in July.
