Historic market town in Berkshire, at the Thames–Kennet confluence, on the Great Western Main Line.
The conflict in Iran has pushed up energy prices and fuel costs, with gas and oil contributing to higher household bills. The price cap review set for 1 July to 30 September 2026 is expected to show a rise, while a think tank identifies towns most vulnerable to energy-spending shocks.
A fourth case of meningococcal disease has been confirmed in Reading, Berkshire, linked to a wider social network associated with two deaths in Kent. The pupil at Westwood Farm Junior School is recovering; three cases in Reading and Henley College have prompted precautionary antibiotics for close contacts. Public risk to the wider community remains low.
A licensing change at Reading Festival could allow main-stage music on Thursdays and extend alcohol hours from 2027, amid ongoing festival format tweaks and high-profile headliners for Reading and Leeds.