hello! does anyone else find it a bit awkward getting the sidelights out to put leds in? or is there sumthing i could use next time to help?

Smaller hands and fingers.... or a long thin set of needle-nose pliers.

Perhaps a daft question, but you are removing the headlights from the car to do the bulb swap aren't you?

The headlight slides out on runners to make access to the bulbs easier.

Step-by-step guide...

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/64315-new-octavia-headlight-bulb-change/

thanks for the replys so quick! yes i took the headlight out still a bit fiddly tho! the guide is excellent!

People don't always realise they remove completely, it's quite unusual but a welcome design addition!

Sidelights are still the worst change I think, but it does get a bit easier with practice as there does seem to be a knack to removing the holder.

I smash the clips off so next time a 30 second job instead off an hour and lots of swearing and lost skin