What was the original name of the festival now known as Reading Festival?

The festival now known as Reading Festival originally used the name National Jazz Festival.

Promoter Harold Pendleton founded the event in 1961. Although jazz was central to its early identity, the festival gradually broadened its programming to include blues, rock, progressive music, punk, metal, and alternative acts.

The festival moved among several locations during its early years before becoming associated with Reading. It was later known as the Reading Festival, and a sister event in Leeds was added in 1999. The two festivals now share most of their lineup across the same weekend.

The original title can cause confusion because the modern event is strongly identified with rock and alternative music rather than jazz. Its changing name reflects the wider transformation of British festival culture from specialist jazz gatherings into large multi-genre events.