A Victoria brewery and event management company are facing backlash after helium balloons from a weekend event were found in the water near Race Rocks.

Phillips Brewery and Atomique Productions hosted the popular ‘Backyard Weekender’ concert July 8 to 10.

Following the event, whale watching boats began finding the helium balloons in the Juan De Fuca Strait.

One operator posted a picture to the Phillips Backyard Weekender Facebook page with the comment, “Phillips. Love you all but let’s cut out using helium balloons from now on eh? These were the sixth and seventh I found floating in our oceans.”

There is concern the balloons could harm marine life.

An apology was issued on the events Facebook page, saying the festival from this point forward will be a “balloon free festival.”