Cryptic crossword No 1,866

In the difficult task of judging difficulty, I’m thinking this likely to be on the chewy side, but hoping that the rewards are worth it! Spoilers…

Thank you for that, for me that was relatively straightforward, with one exception. Some nice clues, including 12a (def.), 16a, 20a, 2d, 7d...

Thanks Ozpiper. I solved this relatively quickly, sometimes with partial parsing -- that's not unusual for me. I enjoyed this a lot with my favourites being 8a10a, 18a, 20a, 24a, and 4d. Spoilers in reply.

Thanks OzPiper - this was fun! Most of it going in fairly quickly, though I did get stuck on a couple at the end. Favourites included: 9a, 16a, 18a, 19a, 20a, 4d, 7d. Spoiler..

Thanks Ozpiper, good fun. Faves 9a, 16a, 20a & 2d. Spoilers ...

Thanks OzP. Others have already made some very useful and fair observations. With which I agree. I don't believe there is a choice between good cryptic grammar and good surface: in my book, a good clue needs both and if you are forced into sacrificing one for the other, think again. 15a (COTD), 16a, and 21d are my podium. Thanks. PM