Cryptic crossword No 2,721
Thu 18 Sep 2025, set byBaldur
Special Instructions: There is a theme, but it is a pure self-indulgence and it will be neither help nor hindrance to anyone, unless you are a fanatical live music fan up t'North. Starting with 9a/23a, the annotations will reveal all and I hope one or two of you may be curious to explore the references. If not, I still hope you enjoy the puzzle for itself!
Across
- Case of VAT being charged by the majority of fairies for fabric ... (6)
- ...fabric made from blending guano with little bits of silky red brocade (8)
- Commercial raved about the launch of this (6)
- Gut feeling of heartless impresario after compendium found in pub (11)
- Goes around taking in extremely carsick reptiles (6)
- Put unopened earphones out for matron? (11)
- Texan in charge can become sloppy (7)
- Chartered surveyor regularly checks over property in Munich for old hose (8)
- DJ reportedly shoves head boy every now and then (6)
- Surprisingly Mandela's a native of Yorkshire (8)
- Short film includes ending that's contrived (7)
- Putting on Skye, for instance, I go wrong, rolling back next to heather (8)
Down
- Goes off music (6)
- Worried husband tries a large plug to ease the discomfort (5,3,4)
- Calypso ultimately embodies nobleness of spirit (4)
- Be consistent and garble "Cheerio!" when the first person leaves (6)
- Exceptional pedestal on sale (8)
- Dog not so much like Douglas' cat (8)
- It hurts escaping from window? That's a blow! (4)
- Soap opera's a hoot on reflection (4)
- Make donation at bank, longing for family to lift people's spirits (4,4)
- See 3d
- Gershwin Piano Impromptu initially played low and soft (10)
- Told to dispose of essentially mouldy woodcarvings resembling honeycomb (8)
- Turnaround of City following crash "unforeseen" (10)
- Unsettling image confounds your expectations first and foremost (5,3)
Baldur has made 1 change since publishing this crossword.
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