Landmarks to light up green for anniversary of The Vivienne's death

Landmarks and venues across the North West are set to light up green this weekend to mark the first anniversary of James Lee Williams’ passing.

Best known as the Drag Race Season 1 winner The Vivienne, James was a globally recognised drag performer and a trailblazer in bringing drag into the modern mainstream.

The tribute will see iconic sites in Liverpool, Chester, Manchester and North Wales illuminated in green to honour the memory of Viv, who was widely regarded as a key figure in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Liverpool landmarks honour The Vivienne

Liverpool's tribute will feature several well-known landmarks lighting up green, including St George’s Hall, the Liverpool Empire, M&S Bank Arena, and St John’s Beacon.

Community venues such as The Lisbon, Superstar Boudoir, and Heaven are also confirmed to take part.

The green lighting represents James’ role as the Wicked Witch in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Wizard of Oz, which toured the UK.

Liverpool held a significant role in James’ life and career, having been the city where they moved at age 16 and established their drag persona, The Vivienne.

'Quote goes here'

John Hyland, creator of the LGBTQ+ podcast Proudly Said, and a close friend of the 32-year-old, told Hits Radio Pride: "I made a promise that James' legacy would never end.

"He's always been a muse to me, and was a personal friend of mine for 15 years.

"When it came to marking the first anniversary of Viv's passing, I wanted to do something that was subtle, yet not to subtle, as a way for people to reflect, and also ask those important questions.

"The colour green is now synonymous with James because of The Wizard of Oz, but it's also an important colour because it represents something more.

"James' family created House of the Vivienne, focusing fundamentally on substance abuse, and despite only being in its infancy, has already done so much over the past year.

"So, it's been amazing so many organisations have got behind this, and are going to be lighting up green, for James, who was still so young when they died.

"James and his family have done so much awareness for an issue which is facing many in our society today, and lighting up green is a really poignant way of marking that.

"Long may this tradition continue."

Tributes reach beyond Liverpool

Chester, where James lived in recent years, will host tributes at local sites including the Storyhouse Chester and the Rainbow Tearooms.

In Manchester, venues across the city’s Gay Village are expected to join in the commemorations by lighting up as a collective tribute to the impact James had on the LGBTQ+ community in the region.

Community recognition of a trailblazer

John reflected on the significance of the day: "A year on, a lot of people are still carrying the loss of James in their own ways.

"Putting together this visual tribute was about giving that feeling a shared outlet and letting those in the North West, across Liverpool, Chester and Manchester, reflect what The Vivienne meant to them; whilst also raising awareness of The House of the Vivienne and the work they do to support others."

James’ family established the charity, The House of the Vivienne, which focuses on supporting those affected by substance use, with a particular emphasis on ketamine awareness, education, and harm reduction.

This visual tribute is a moment for remembrance across the region, celebrating the significant contributions and legacy of James Lee Williams.

The confirmed list of venues

Liverpool

• St George’s Hall
• St John’s Beacon
• Liverpool ONE, including the stairs leading to The Terrace and the John Lewis bridge
• Liverpool Empire
• The ACC Liverpool campus, including M&S Bank Arena, the Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre
• Liverpool Parish Church
• Pullman Hotel, Liverpool
• Quirky Quarter (Duke Street)
• The Lisbon
• Superstar Boudoir
• Heaven
• Navy Bar
• Masquerade
• Everyman Theatre
• Playhouse Theatre

Chester

• Rainbow Tearooms
• Storyhouse

Manchester

• Iconic Bar
• Via

North Wales

• Gwrych Castle

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