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Let’s remember that Qaos’ previous two themed puzzles were the “Shawshank Redemption” in the Genius (the one where you had to literally construct a tunnel to freedom!) and “blues artists” in the prize earlier this year which I recall was much enjoyed :-)

Thanks Chris

I got this one once I'd got the last three letters from the crossers and could identify the party.

Exactly Jono 👍

I've nothing against Qaos. He's not in my top tier of favo(u)rite setters, but no lower than "in the pack" among the others.
His blues-themed Prize was outstanding. Genius puzzles are almost always above my pay grade, though his Shawshank device sounds brilliant.

Suprisingly, this is one I got by deciding it was an anagram.
But unfortunately I got 19ac wrong which held me up on 13 and 14 d for ages. I've now got them. But a number in the SE corner elude me. Despite Geeker's hint I don't know the footballer and haven't guessed him in 27ac. I can't find one called Stunning!

I'm completely stuck on 16d, 18d, 24d and 25d despite earlier hints on the latter. I aslo have 29 still to do. I cannot see the theme. I got 22ac though cannot parse it fully, same with 7d. I've just spotted the link between 10, 11 and 26ac. Maybe that will help me with 29ac.

So hints on the ones I haven't got may help me finish. Otherwise I may give up. I don't seem to be able to get on with Qaos.

For the footballer think silver

24d is relatively straightforward but not k for 1000

16 is something you give outside a 2 letter word for setter at 4+5

Finished at last, but what on earth is the theme?

there's a 4 letter word you can put before 2d and 9a, for example. it can come after some of the other solutions too.