Cryptic crossword No 1,312

Another cracking puzzle full of smooth, compelling surfaces and satisfyingly diverse wordplay (including what's seemingly becoming your trademark use of staring-you-in-the-face-fodder) - thanks Longyfan! I particularly liked 1a (very smooth), 9a (very clean), 12a (fun assembly), 20a (fun def), 22a (great construction), 27a (creative), 2d (lovely), 4d (simple and effective), 14d (fun), 21d (very cute) and 24d (very neat). I'd appreciate annotations as a few I'm not 100% sure of, thanks again!

Thanks longyfan. As sirdakka says, some really compelling surfaces and clever wordplay. My faves: 5a, 20a, 28a (!), 2d, 8d & 21d (!). Tough but fair on the whole. One query in reply.

Nice puzzle Longyfan, thanks. I love clues like 21d. My other faves were 5a 24d 18d 2d and 9a. Cheers

16d is lovely fill. 23d is nice and 29a made me smile. Fun puzzle