A poetic TikTok town review has sparked fresh debate over Reading’s city status.
Social media duo TownTickers, known for their rhyming reviews of towns across the UK, recently featured Reading in a video and questioned why it still hasn’t been granted city status despite its size and amenities.
Their post has reignited the long-running conversation about why Reading remains without the title.
In their video, the pair said: “Biggest town and did we like it?
“Well, this one is a special and it’s time for something bigger.”
Describing Reading as a place with “with its sleek towers such prestige”, they said: “would not feel out of place and it gave us Princess Kate Kate Winslet and Ricky Gervais.”
TownTickers also highlighted the town’s historical and cultural offerings, including the Abbey Ruins, the iconic lion statue, and the Reading Festival.
They gave Reading a rating of 4.5 out of seven, describing it as a “special” place that deserves more recognition.
The video prompted a wave of agreement from viewers.
Ian Phillips said: “Reading getting a 4.5 is great news for all other cities out there eagerly awaiting their rating.”
Others joined the debate, with Tom Parsons noting: “Reading is not a city because we don’t have a Cathedral.”
The TownTickers video also praised the town’s nightlife and hospitality.
They said: “Beers at siren phantom 2 will soon relieve your stress so stick the Minster on your insta and TikTok the town hall clock ’cause it’s safe to say that Reading beats the middle of the block.”
Reading has applied for city status four times.
Reading boasts a university, and one of the busiest railway stations outside London.
It is also home to The Oracle shopping centre.
The TownTickers’ light-hearted but thoughtful review has once again put the city status debate in the spotlight.
It has reminded residents of what makes Reading special—and why so many believe it deserves to be officially recognised as a city.