Reading

Reading is a large town and unitary authority in Berkshire, situated at the confluence of the River Thames and River Kennet approximately 40 miles west of central London. It is one of the principal commercial centres of the Thames Valley region and hosts the UK headquarters of numerous multinational technology and business companies, earning the area the informal designation of the 'Silicon Valley of the UK.' The town is home to the University of Reading and Henley Business School, contributing to a large student population. Reading is also internationally known for the Reading Festival, one of the UK's oldest and most popular rock music festivals, held annually on the bank holiday weekend in August.