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Potential impact of Pharrell-proposed music festival

Virginia Beach city officials said they're expecting festival organizers to present logistical plans for the festival in January.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) — After Virginia Beach Council approved Pharrell William’s Something in the Water festival pitch, 13NewsNow wanted to look at his source of inspiration.

Pharrell and festival organizers from Venture Realty Group said they want to bring the East Coast version of South by Southwest by bringing sports activities, music festivals and panel discussions to the Oceanfront.

So what exactly is South by Southwest?

It’s a nine-day event in Austin, Texas that features festivals, trade shows, and industry conferences. The festival began three decades ago.

“Not only is it a huge economic driver, but it also connects people all across the globe,” said Katherine Wise, Communications Director for Visit Austin. “South by Southwest also put Austin on the map as, you know, an innovative city for big thinking.”

Austin Mayor Steve Adler said the festival’s economic impact is on par with the Super Bowl, earning the city more than $348 million in 2017.

Virginia Beach city officials said they’re expecting festival organizers to present logistical plans for the festival in January. City officials said the city is used to hosting large events and it is possible for the festival to take place next year.

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