RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Cheryl The Queen will headline a special fundraiser at BOXPARK Liverpool this October, raising money for a permanent statue of The Vivienne in Liverpool’s Pride Quarter.
The full line-up has been announced for the Bring The Vivienne Home fundraiser, taking place at BOXPARK Liverpool on Friday 30 October 2026.
Cheryl The Queen, who competed alongside The Vivienne on the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, will headline an evening of drag, live music, DJs, musical bingo and a special Vivienne-themed quiz.
The event will raise money towards the campaign to create a permanent, life-size bronze statue of The Vivienne at the entrance to Liverpool’s Pride Quarter.
Hosted by Liverpool drag artist Debbie Darling, the line-up also includes Brenda LaBeau, a long-time friend of The Vivienne and familiar face on the national cabaret circuit, alongside Liverpool singer Rosa Harrison.
DJ sets will come from BOXPARK resident DJ Tizzle and Liverpool drag performer Regina McQueen, while resident quizmaster James O’Connor will put fans’ knowledge to the test with a special quiz dedicated to The Vivienne.
Speaking ahead of the fundraiser, Cheryl reflected on meeting The Vivienne during the first series of Drag Race UK and the friendship that followed.
“As soon as I locked eyes on her in the Werk Room on Drag Race UK, I knew this queen was the brightest star in that room,” Cheryl said.
“She was the full package. Throughout every step, she was there for me and I treasure every single special memory we shared! She always knew how to make me scream with laughter.”
Cheryl also spoke about The Vivienne’s deep connection to Liverpool and why she wanted to be part of the event.
“Viv was Liverpool personified. She talked about the city constantly – the people, the places, the queens, THE LOT! It wasn’t just where she lived, it was where Viv was allowed to be, and she carried that with her everywhere she went.
“So when I was asked to come and do this show, in this city, for her, there was never a chance I would say no. Come and have a night with us, and let’s bring her home.”
James Lee Williams, known around the world as The Vivienne, moved to Liverpool from North Wales at the age of 16. Long before finding national fame, The Vivienne became part of Liverpool’s drag scene and LGBTQ+ community, with the character taking shape in the venues of what is now the city’s officially recognised Pride Quarter.
The Vivienne went on to win the inaugural series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and later competed on Dancing on Ice. James died in January 2025.
The Bring The Vivienne Home campaign is aiming to raise £120,000 for a permanent bronze statue in Liverpool. The proposed statue would look out over Stanley Street and the wider Pride Quarter, serving as a lasting tribute to The Vivienne and her importance to Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community.
John Hyland of Proudly Said, which is behind the campaign, said the response since its launch had demonstrated how much The Vivienne meant to the city.
“What has struck me since we launched this campaign is that nobody has had to be persuaded,” he said.
“The money we’ve raised so far has come from people putting in a fiver, from performers offering their time, from businesses handing over raffle prizes without being asked twice. That tells you everything about what The Vivienne meant here, because this city knew her long before anybody else did, and it hasn’t needed reminding.”
As well as the performances and entertainment, the fundraiser will feature a raffle with prizes including a Hollyoaks Star Set Tour donated by Lime Pictures, tickets to a show of the winner’s choice at the M&S Bank Arena, a royal box at Funny Girls in Blackpool and theatre tickets from across the region.
Joel Lee, General Manager at BOXPARK Liverpool, said there was “no hesitation” when the venue was approached about hosting the event.
“The Vivienne was one of this city’s own, and what she gave to Liverpool’s queer community over the years is the reason a night like this fills a room,” he said.
“Come down, have a brilliant night, and know that what you spend is going somewhere that lasts.”
Proceeds from the evening will go directly towards the £120,000 fundraising target.
Tickets start from £15 plus booking fee and are available through Skiddle. Donation tickets starting at £5 are also available for people who would like to support the campaign but cannot attend.
Campaign updates can be found on Instagram at @BringTheVivHome.
