It’s been difficult to avoid news of the major fire that broke out in Northern Quarter on Monday morning. It made the national headlines, disrupting work and transport throughout the day.

Though the fire started on Dale Street, it eventually spread to Lever Street, which, as the Manchizzle notes, is home to many record labels, publishers and other creative companies.

One of these – D:percussion organiser Ear to the Ground – has been quick to draw up plans for a music event in the neighbouring Stevenson Square on May 28. It will raise money for traders and businesses affected by the blaze and has the support of the council.

Ear to the Ground’s John Drape told today’s Manchester Evening News: ‘Ten years ago when the IRA bomb went off we delivered a similar event and we feel it is appropriate now to hold a fundraising event.’

CIDS, the Northern Quarter-based creative industries development agency, has also offered support in the form of a Mac and desk in its Oak Street office, and has asked anyone affected by the fire or anyone with office space to spare to email info@cids.co.uk.

[The image above is one of several great shots taken by Flickr user root-2]