Several venues in Liverpool and beyond "lit up green" to pay tribute to RuPaul's Drag Race winner and overall superstar The Vivienne during the one-year anniversary of her untimely passing. The color choice was a reference to The Viv's role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the West End revival of The Wizard of Oz musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
A year ago, the RuPaul's Drag Race universe stood still upon learning the news that The Vivienne — the first crowned winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK and a fierce competitor in the all-winners season known as All Stars 7 — had suddenly passed away. A documentary feature, Dear Viv, was produced by World of Wonder and was released in August via WOW Presents Plus.
On January 3, 2026, The Vivienne's passing was observed by multiple venues in the U.K. that lit up green. This effort was organized by Proudly Said podcast host John M. Hyland in partnership with House of The Vivienne — an initiative/organization run by The Vivienne's family, which aims to help and support people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
A statement was shared by House of The Vivienne over the weekend, which reads:
"We want to say the biggest thank you to [John M. Hyland] @johnmhyland_ of @proudlysaid, who has supported us from the very beginning and worked tirelessly to turn the North West green. Your commitment, passion, and belief in this campaign means more than we can put into words.
"Thank you also to every single venue that has taken part," the statement concluded. "Your support truly means everything to us. This is for Viv."
The main organizer of this far-reaching tribute, John M. Hyland, wrote his own statement.
"A huge, heartfelt thank you to every venue, building and organization that has went green tonight to honor our friend, James, [The Vivienne], one year on from their passing," Hyland wrote. "Liverpool has been a sight to behold, and it truly brought a tear to my eye seeing this city and its people support one of its own."
The Proudly Said podcast host concluded, "But it went as far as Gran Canaria, with [Sparkles Show Bar] @sparkles.gc lighting up, alongside [Gwrych Castle] @gwrychcastle in North Wales, and [MK Pride Festival] @mkpridefestival getting Milton Keynes involved. Be sure to follow and learn more about @houseofthevivienne and the incredible work they do."
An extensive list of venues participated in this "Light Up" tribute, all of which were included in the House of The Vivienne post showing gratitude for their involvement.
In Liverpool alone, venues and buildings included St George's Hall, St John's Beacon, Liverpool ONE (including the stairs to The Terrace & the John Lewis bridge), Liverpool Empire, ACC Liverpool (M&S Bank Arena, Convention & Exhibition Centre), Liverpool Parish Church, Pullman Liverpool, Quirky Quarter, The Lisbon, Superstar Boudoir, Heaven, Navy Bar, Masquerade, Everyman Theatre, Playhouse Theatre, and Scandals.
Other locations that participated in this emotional tribute for the Drag Race UK champion included Chester (Rainbow Tearooms; Storyhouse); Manchester (Iconic Bar, Via); North Wales (Gwrych Castle); and Milton Keynes (La Tour Hotel, Centre MK Car Park).
"Thank you for standing with us, for shining a light, and for helping keep Viv's legacy alive," the family's statement read. "Together, we turn awareness into action."
Learn more about House of The Vivienne by following the organization's Instagram page. The Dear Viv documentary is streaming on WOW Presents Plus.
