Gwrych Castle is remembering a ‘legend’ and ‘local icon’
Gwrych Castle turned green tonight (Image: Gwrych Castle)
A Welsh castle has been turned green tonight in memory of a “local icon”. Gwrych Castle has been lit emerald green for the evening.
This is in tribute to James Lee Williams – known as The Vivienne – a drag artist from Colwyn Bay who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The artist went on to star on other shows and played the Wicked Witch of the West in the UK tour and West End run of The Wizard of Oz.
The “legend” died on Sunday January 5 2025 after suffering a cardio respiratory arrest after taking ketamine at their Cheshire home.
A spokesperson for Gwrych Castle said: “This Saturday 3rd January 2026 Gwrych Castle glows green for a legend!
“In memory of The Vivienne on the first anniversary of their passing James Lee Williams, a local icon who changed drag, broke barriers and made us laugh without apology.
Chanel Williams with her brother the late James lee Williams, also known as The Vivienne(Image: Daily Post Wales)
“From Colwyn Bay to the world stage, your light still shines. Rest in power.” Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
Lyn Matthews said: “I miss Viv so much, have so many memories of her. This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul, loved by so many. In Liverpool she was ‘our Viv. I treasure every message. And still find it hard to believe that I will never hear ‘hiya luv’ and the hugs and that followed.”
Jean Mottershead said: “Such a great person, with not a bad bone in their body. I knew them from age 11. Last saw The Viv just a couple of months before they died. There was such a massive future for them.”
Karen Paton added: “Beautiful tribute for a gorgeous person. You have left a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds not just in the drag world but in your personal and TV world. Rest In Paradise Viv.”
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