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Oh, I've just seen Johnson's comment about classical music! I shall turn my thoughts in that direction (but any other help still welcome).

Oh, I've just got the Such Drinks. Obvious but surely not the theme.

Hi rpchambe,
The theme is none of the clues you mention, but you’re not far away from it with the last one. The thematics which are anagrams you won’t find in anagram solvers for the reason you suggested. The fact that the preamble states that the theme has four parts is quite a big hint, provided you know it. I got into the grid by starting with the two 10 letter clues and a bit of trial and error. I’m sure there are other ways

Thanks Jono. The thought of trawling through google looking for Such Drinks is not appealing so I think I'll go for a swim instead and come back to it later. Perhaps inspiration will strike with the cold water as I ponder 'four parts'.

In case I confused, when I said ‘not far away’ I was referring to the clue running order, not the drinks!

Thank you!

It's 10.15 on Sunday morning and after playing with this for 24 hours, I give up!
I got the theme and tried the perimeter as per the instructions. Like a number of other posters, I realised this must be wrong because of the two 3 letter clues on the perimeter. So following a hint on this site, I started at the top right and it seemed to work ok. I have both the 10 letter answers but which ever way I put them in, I reach an impasse.
There must be better ways to spend the weekend.

I'm sure there are better ways to spend the weekend, griffin - my partner would certainly agree with you ... but if you've got so far ... someone has already said the perimeter starts with the end of the 4th row. Then you will be much helped by wikipedia. I imagine if brendan clicked the button asking for notification on posts on the thread, he must be inundated with info on something he decided not to attempt ...

Thanks for the encouragement Prospero. I will have another go.
Am I correct in thinking that the earlier 10 letter answer is the one further to the right?

indeed!