VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Something in the Water festival is done, but people are not done talking about it.

This weekend brought thousands of people to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to see different artists perform.

Videos taken from Chopper 10 showed the crowds having a good time at the main stage.

City Councilman Aaron Rouse says this festival showed the community coming together.

“You only get one shot to make a first impression, and we knocked this one out the park,” said Rouse.

He says schools, businesses, volunteers, the city and first responders did so much work in a short amount of time.

FULL COVERAGE: Something in the Water 2019 

“It’s about showcasing what we already have, and each and every one of us were part of the same team,” Rouse said. 

The pop-up church service held on Sunday was also a huge success.

Pharrell’s uncle and the bishop of Faith World Ministries talked about the turnout at the pop up church.

“The crowds turned out by the thousands, we were not disappointed, it was what we anticipated and more,” said Bishop Ezekiel Williams.

10 On Your Side asked both Williams and Rouse about what made this weekend different, after previous issues when College Beach Weekend came to the Oceanfront.

“There have been challenges with College Beach Weekend in the past. I think one of the things that made a difference this year is the preparation, the coming together, the planning, a community working together,” said Williams.

“College Beach Weekend had its issues, but when you provide structure, you provide world-class talent and Pharrell Williams, and he brought his friends … that says something,” Rouse said. 


So what did you think of the festival? The City of Virginia Beach wants to know. You can give your feedback here at this link.