Cryptic crossword No 634

The first puzzle I put up was a bit of a cheat as it had already been test-solved by colleagues on DIYCOW and then vetted/published by an established broadsheet setter. This by contrast is fresh off the press so please fire away. And hopefully enjoy.

Thanks Starhorse for another cracking puzzle. Great stuff throughout, but particular favourites: 1a, 17a, 19a, 27a, 2d, 4d, 6d, 8d, 16d, 21d, 24d. Too tough to pick a fave or even podium out of that lot. Some incredibly well disguised definitions. Spoilers follow ...

I enjoyed this. I admire your ability to write concise yet coherent and fair clues. A few times I was scratching my head but after a bit of cheeky bunging and checking the pennies all eventually dropped. As ever I didn’t parse everything but your notes illuminated me for the most part (see Reply). Liked 17a a lot. 2d is 2d. 21d is very clever. Thanks!

Thanks Starhorse for another high quality puzzle, very adeptly crafted. I found it quite tough but got there gradually over a couple of sittings. Particularly enjoyed 1A, 17A, 22A, 7D, 8D and 20D. Spoilers in reply.

Thanks for this, Starhorse. Not easy but neither was it as fiendish as I was expecting. Phew. I like your coherent surfaces; something I'm not yet achieving as often as I'd like. Favourites include: 1a (lovely way to start), 17a, 22a, 27a, 2d, 6d, 7d, 14d and 24d (which has just required me to change a clue of my own which it nearly mirrors🤣🤣🤣) Spoilers in reply. Thanks. PM

Thanks Starhorse, enjoyed this a lot. Lots of great clues but my favourite was 2d, a lovely clue that held out until the end. Honourable mentions as well for 17a (in spite of my general annoyance of that song's presence at all sporting events), 27a, 6d, 8d and 16d.