BILLY Bragg, the king of the protest song, is coming to Derby's Quad arts centre.

Bragg, known for his socially conscious music and his political activism, will introduce a documentary film about his work bringing music to prison inmates and then play a live acoustic set.

The film Breaking Rocks tells the story of Jail Guitar Doors, Bragg's independent initiative which aims to provide instruments to those who are using music as a means of achieving rehabilitation for prison inmates.

The documentary features performances by "graduates" from Jail Guitar Doors as well as from many of the artists that have supported the programme including Mick Jones (The Clash) Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters) Sam Duckworth (Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly) and Bragg himself.

Quad deputy director Adam Buss says: "Billy Bragg has been described as a 'national treasure' by The Times and that perfectly sums up one of the UK's best loved and most influential musicians.

"It is fantastic that Billy has chosen to visit us here at Quad and the event will be a must-see for fans of his and those people out there who have never experienced his music. It is another sign that we are firmly establishing ourselves as one of the most important centres for art and film in the UK."

Bragg will be accompanied at the screening by the film's director Alan Miles and he will be joined in the acoustic set by Jail Guitar Doors participants.

BREAKING ROCKS

WHERE: Quad, Market Place, Derby.

WHEN: Saturday, February 20, 8pm.

TICKETS: £11 (£9 concessions).

BOX OFFICE: 01332 290606.