Tributes pour in one year on from The Vivienne’s death: ‘We have been changed for good’
Monuments across Liverpool and the north west were lit up green in memory of The Vivienne. (Lia Toby/Getty Images/House of The Vivienne)
Monuments across Liverpool and the north west were lit up green in memory of The Vivienne. (Lia Toby/Getty Images/House of The Vivienne)
Tributes have poured in for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne, one year on from her death.
On Saturday (3 January), monuments across Liverpool and the north west were lit up green to honour the drag star, whose real name was James Lee Williams, in reference to her role as the Wicked Witch of the West in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and UK tour production of the Wizard of Oz.
The winner of the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, Dancing on Ice finalist and West End star died on 3 January 2025 at the age of 32 from cardiac arrest as a result of taking ketamine.
Following her death, The Vivienne’s family launched The House of the Vivienne, a support group for those struggling with addiction.
Taking to Facebook, the support group thanked 23 venues that took part in the light-up, including Iconic Bar in Manchester, Rainbow Tearooms in Chester, and Liverpool Empire, among others.
“Thank you for standing with us, for shining a light, and for helping keep Viv’s legacy alive. Together, we turn awareness into action,” the post shared.
Across social media, establishments shared images of their venues lit up in green, with people commenting green love hearts in memory of the drag star.
Liverpool Parish Church shared an image of its church lit in green in remembrance of The Vivienne.
Remembering #TheVivienne
— L'pool Parish Church (@LiverpoolParish) January 3, 2026
Thanks to @Jonnyaddy24 for the image. pic.twitter.com/nJHDr02nbq
In Milton Keynes, Hotel La Tour and the centre:mk multi-storey car park were lit green, with MK Pride Festival writing that The Vivienne’s “legacy continues to shape us”. “Because we knew you, we have been changed for good,” the tribute added.
A post by M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool read: “This tribute highlights the breadth of their impact on the LGBTQ+ community in our city and beyond. We’re honouring an artist whose influence extended far beyond the stage, celebrating individuality, courage and the power of living authentically.
“Tonight, we remember The Vivienne and a legacy that continues to shine.”
Ahead of the celebration, John Hyland, creator of the Proudly Said podcast and the organiser who helped involve the various venues, said: “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.
“It also showcases how incredible these places are for always getting behind their own.”
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