Cryptic crossword No 3,062

An enjoyable solve, thank you. Smooth going with a decent level of challenge, and some nice clues including 10a, 13a, 18a, 24a, 1d, 2d, 16d, 22d, 23d.

This took me longer than the Guardian prize puzzle but I enjoyed it and found it fair and cleverly worked around the theme. Particularly appreciated 18a, 26a, 1d, 4d, 5d(very neat!), 15d (also very neat when it clicked) & 17d. A couple of abbreviations new to me and some minor quibbles essentially picked up by Cigogne. The way is up!

Very much enjoyed this. Faves: 10a, 17a, 4d, 19d. Nho 5d but I don't have as much UK GK as I should! One more comment in reply.

Thanks Kempley for a challenging, ultimately satisfying crossword. I needed your notes to understand 25a, 14d, and 15d. My favourites included 10a, 20a, 1d, 21d, and 22d. Interesting theme and nice puzzle overall.

Another enjoyable puzzle Kempley - I am now keeping an eye out for yours. Yes, it probably is at your tougher end but all was doable though I failed to parse LOI 15a as, rather like Cigogne, I was expecting EURO. Hardly seems worth having a three letter abbreviation for a four letter word but there it is in the dictionary. 15d was tricky as - even though I occasionally use 'em - I have no idea what emojis are called. Everything else solved well and there was plenty to enjoy. Thanks. PM