Liverpool will be Lighting Up Green in memory of The Vivienne on the first anniversary of their passing

Iconic buildings and venues across the North West will light up green on Friday 3rd January to mark the first anniversary of the passing of James Lee Williams, known around the world as drag superstar The Vivienne.

From Liverpool to Chester, with venues on Manchester’s Canal Street also expected to take part, the tribute reflects the scale of James’ impact on the LGBTQ+ community, both locally and further afield.

One year on, James’ death continues to be felt by those who knew them personally, as well as by many who connected with their work through drag, theatre and television.

James Lee Williams was more than a performer. As the UK’s first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne played a significant role in bringing drag back into the modern mainstream and opening doors for a new generation of performers. Coming from Colwyn Bay, James moved to Liverpool at 16, where The Vivienne was born, with the city playing a central role in shaping their career and public identity.

On 3rd January, Liverpool, with support from Chester and Manchester, will come together in remembrance and solidarity.

A number of Liverpool landmarks will mark the occasion by lighting up green, including St George’s Hall, the Liverpool Empire, M&S Bank Arena, and St John’s Beacon, with community venues such as The Lisbon, Superstar Boudoir and Heaven also taking part. The green lighting references James’ role as the Wicked Witch in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and UK tour production of The Wizard of Oz.

The tribute will extend beyond Liverpool, with Chester, where James lived in recent years, also taking part, with both Storyhouse, Chester and the Rainbow Tearooms lighting up in recognition. Various venues across Manchester’ Gay Village that have the capability, will also light up to demonstrate how widespread the love for this north west queen is.

James’ family established the charity The House of the Vivienne in their memory, which supports people affected by substance use, with a particular focus on ketamine awareness, education and harm reduction.

This tribute is about remembrance and recognition, and about the region acknowledging the impact of one of its own.

Liverpool has long taken pride in celebrating its people, and on 3rd January the city will mark The Vivienne’s contribution in a way that reflects that tradition.

Read about the convoy of big-hearted bikers that dropped gifts off at Alder Hey this Christmas HERE.