Festival organisers are keen to market Malmesbury as a philosophy town – just as Hay-on-Wye is seen as a book town.

The idea is to put on events throughout the year to attract people interested in philosophy.

Michael Cuthbert, organiser of the Hobbes Festival of Ideas this weekend, said: “St Ives has numerous art galleries and is thought of as an art town.

“Hay-on-Wye is seen as a book town and Stratford-upon-Avon is known for Shakespeare.

“We want to make Malmesbury a philosophy town.”

As a start, a group of leading thinkers are getting together in the town this weekend to share their ideas on Malmesbury philosopher Thomas Hobbes.

World renowned Hobbes expert and former Regius Professor of History of the University of Cambridge Quentin Skinner will be speaking on Saturday.

Philosopher and former Roman Catholic priest Sir Anthony Kenny, philosopher and atheist Julian Baggini and Tony Blair’s strategy chief in Downing Street, Matthew Taylor are all among the speakers on Sunday.

Hobbes, who lived in Malmesbury in the 17th century, is best known for Leviathan, a study on society and government.

Mr Cuthbert is delighted to have assembled such a star-studded line up. He said: “We’ve got a bit of something for everyone.”

The festival starts on Friday with two free lectures in the town hall, an introduction to Thomas Hobbes at 5.30pm and an introduction to Quentin Skinner at 6.30pm. A full list can be found at www.malmesbury.com. Individual lectures are £5, passes £14 (day) £24 (weekend), call (01666) 823748.