* After the excitement of last weekend’s superb Isle of Wight Festival, the fun continues with a pair of intimate local events. And while they may lack the famous headliners of the big events, they more than make up for it in community spirit.

First is Tandem Festival, which takes place at the Hill End outdoor education centre in Farmoor, from tomorrow to Sunday.

Only in its second year, the ecologically-sound event blends music with talks; workshops, films, poetry, theatre and other cerebral pursuits.

Run on a not-for-profit basis by volunteers, the art and sustainability festival has a strong international perspective, with artists and punters arriving by bike from Italy, Netherlands, France and UK cities to convene on the scenic 62-acre site. Local festie-goers are encouraged to do likewise. Music comes from Balloon Ascents, Megan Henwood, Art Theefe, avant-cellist Duotone, Me and My Friends, Òkina, The Turbans, Tribe of Tinkers, Bossaphonik DJ Dan Ofer – and the 50 piece Sinfonia Gaia orchestra.

Tickets are £75 from tandemfestival.com

* Over in East Oxford, an even greener event launches on Saturday – with a day of homegrown fun.

Flo Fest is a truly local celebration with food, music, theatre and other entertainment provided from the OX4 area.

Artists include Ran Kan Kan, West African kora player Jali Fily Cissokho, Nick Cope, Duotone, Summit 7, Papa Nui, Roberto y Juan, and DJ Badger. Providing some tropical rhythms will be the Larkrise Samba Band (pictured) – featuring local school pupils. Also playing are the aforementioned Art Theefe and Duotone. And the best thing is – it is absolutely free.

For foodies, Tony Arbarno and Florence Fowler from The Magdalen Arms are planning something tasty – and affordable – for the crowds., with vegetables grown by Tony across the street at Elder Stubbs allotments.

A Talent Tent, meanwhile, will feature the Florence Park Players. The fun runs from 11am to 5pm.