LISTEN to lots of thought-provoking new ideas and theories at the Swindon Festival of Literature’s Think Slam tonight.

Tune your brain and open your mind in this unusual event where the art of philosophy becomes contest and entertainment.

Taking pace at the Swindon Arts Centre from 8pm, this is the ninth Think Slam and it is presented in association with the Swindon Philosophical Society.

If you fancy taking part, bring along your own idea, theory of illuminating story and be prepared to present it in three minutes. From then on, it’s a knockout.

Keen but kindly judges - headed by economist Kate Raworth - will decide who pleases the thinking parts that others cannot reach, who inspired good, great or gruesome thoughts, and who does not. In this Olympics of intelligence, there will be a first round, semi-finals and a final.

Expect moments of seriousness, nervousness and puzzlement, a spirit of wonder, wit and humour - as well as plenty of applause.

The winner will be crowned the 9th Swindon Think Slam Champ and receive a trophy and lots of admiration.

The event will be compered by Sara-Jane Arbury, aided by sensible scorer, terrifying timekeeper and crowd-pleasing prizes provider Matt Holland.

If you fancy further thought provoking, precede the Think Slam by listening to Kate talk at 6.30pm. Senior research associate at institutes in Cambridge and Oxford, UN report writer and renegade economist, Kate is author of Doughnut Economics, which offers a radical rewrite of two centuries of economic theories and takes a long view forward into the global sweet spot and a new model that serves a thriving and sustainable domestic and global economy. Tickets for this event are £8, concessions £7.

Anyone brave enough to enter the 9th Swindon Think Slam should contact the festival on 01793 771080 or email swindonlitfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk. Tickets are £8, concessions £7, from 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.