Cryptic crossword No 890

This is meant to be a bit easier than other crosswords I've done. Merry Christmas!

Chapeau, Lamppost, this is a seriously impressive grid fill with a thoroughly entertaining set of clues to go with it. Definitely easier than some of your previous outings, especially once you spot the theme (which took me all of two solutions to cotton on to!). To pick a few favourites, 23a, 3d, 19d. Spoiler in reply…

Seriously super stuff, setter ... sublime! Spoilers ...

What a fun puzzle, thanks. I was merrily misled! Thank you. Quite tricky but really enjoyable. Favourites were 19d 8a 5d and 7d. 23a is very clever! I needed some 11d for the parsing! Nice one

What an intriguing idea. I must say I noticed the unusual grid (tbh - with a bit of an ugh!) and then, as answers started to populate it, began to smile. It's a great gridfill as widders says and I enjoyed the tight cluing. 23a is very neat though I didn't completely parse it I'm ashamed to admit. Other favourites include 13a, 14a, 1d, 2d, 5d, 16d, 17d, 19d and 21d. Spoilers in Reply. Thanks. PM

I was intrigued by the grid and loved the PD when the first few solutions popped into place, a lovely concept and very well executed. Neat and satisfying clueing throughout, my particular faves were 8a (fun), 10a (smooth), 20a (likewise), 22a (neat), 23a (delightful wordplay), 26a (great surface), 1d (lovely assembly), 5d (smooth), 7d (very neat), 11d (neat), 15d (neat), 16d (nice), 19d (nice) and 25d (fun) - a good mix of clue types and lots of inventiveness on show, lovely stuff. Thanks LP!

Took me half a dozen clues to see *it* but what an impressive achievement! Great fun. Loved 23a but didn’t parse til I saw your notes! Merry Christmas 🎅🏻