Reading lies 41 miles west of central London on the River Thames, and is easily accessed via the M4 motorway, inter-city trains from Paddington and the RailAir bus service from Heathrow Airport.

Founded in 1253, it grew rapidly in the early 18th century due to its iron works and brewing businesses. Today it is notable as the centre of Britain's IT industry, with multinationals such as Microsoft, Oracle and Yell.com having their UK headquarters at the Thames Valley Business Park.

Reading is a major regional shopping destination for the Thames Valley, as well as its 230,000 residents. The retail core is based on the pedestrianised Broad Street, with The Oracle (named after a 17th century workhouse) and Broad Street Malls at either end.

Since 1971, the town has hosted the Reading Festival of rock music each August Bank Holiday Weekend. On each of the 3 days, up to 70,000 music fans descend on Little John's Farm off Richfield Avenue in central Reading, near the Caversham Bridge to see established and upcoming bands on 7 temporary stages.

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