SINGER songwriter Billy Bragg has revealed why he specifically chose to play Burnley as part of his UK tour.

Speaking minutes before going on stage at a sold-out Burnley Mechanics last night the so-called "Bard of Barking" said he felt the people of Burnley needed to be shown they were not alone in the fight against extremism.

Bragg - a vociferous opponent of racism and the BNP, which has six councillors in Burnley - played for over two hours as part of his Hope Not Hate Tour.

He said he empathised with the people of Burnley after the BNP recently took 12 seats in his home town of Barking.

"Democracy relies on debate and discussion," he said.

"Unfortunately democracy in many areas has fallen victim to cynicism, a cynicism extremists are only too willing to exploit."

Bragg, who recently wrote a highly acclaimed book The Progressive Patriot, said the problem of racism was stronger than ever.

"Racism was the issue that politicised me in the first place," he said.

"You've got to remember I'm an old Clash fan.

"Once again the issue of racism has risen to the top of the political agenda."

The show included many of Bragg's hits from the past 25 years.