Cryptic crossword No 729

Goodness me, yogdaws! What an absolutely remarkable grid. I have seen some imaginative ones in my time but not sure I've ever seen something quite like this. You deserve a pat on the back just for putting it together. It's hard to select particular clues, given the device but it was an intriguing solve. Spoilers in Reply. Thanks. PM

Thanks yogdaws, an interesting puzzle that certainly tested the limits of my geography! Amazing grid fill to have so many 26as with very few niche ones (I'd say 2, but that's in the eye of the beholder). Favourite clues were 15a (excellent), 3d, 6d (very clever) and 8d.

Thanks for an enjoyable challenge! I solved 26 and 3 early on but still threw in the towel for 9, 13, 18, 20, 2 and 4. Favourite clue was 11 - v. nifty.

What a spectacular grid fill and, while initially daunting, a very impressive set of self-referential clues, constructed with a great array of creativity - particularly 9a (neat), 11a (fun and clever), 15a (likewise), 22a (neat), 2d (fun surface), 8d (wonderfully succinct) and 19d (nice). Clueing was a bit stretchy in places perhaps but I admire the gumption to go for such a fully themed fill - this was great fun.

Thanks for the comments all, glad you enjoyed the puzzle! As Meles alludes to, yes I was pleased (and surprised) to be able to fit in as many well-known 26s as I did. I do agree with the consensus that the clues inevitably suffered a bit though. I'm also aware my use of link words can be a bit awkward at times, and I'm aiming to improve on those in my subsequent puzzles.