Totally Typewriters returns for fifth and final celebration
Typewriter enthusiasts, creative writers and curious visitors are invited to Totally Typewriters, a one-day interactive celebration of the machines that changed the world.
Taking place at the Clarke Foley Community Hub in Ilkley on Saturday 10 October, the event is the fifth and final Totally Typewriters celebration. Entry is free, with visitors welcome to drop in throughout the day for family-friendly activities.
The event will showcase a collection of more than 100 typewriters dating from the 1900s to the 1980s, ranging from traditional office machines to ultraportable models. Visitors will also have the opportunity to use working typewriters themselves — whether to write poetry, prose, letters or simply a shopping list.
Among the highlights will be an original letter written on a typewriter by collector and typewriter aficionado Tom Hanks.
Five typewriters must be won during this year's event, adding an extra element of excitement for visitors.
The event will feature a range of typewriter-related creative and technical expertise:
Molly Ovenden (@mollyovendencreativity) — creative writer and poet Molly Ovenden will type a bespoke poem for visitors on a vintage typewriter, using just a few key words about themselves.
Olly May (@typedbyolly) — creates bespoke typewriter art inspired by his love of music and literature, with lyrics and quotations hand-typed to create distinctive pieces of artwork.
Qwertyzone — David Trapps, an experienced typewriter engineer with expert knowledge of repairing and restoring machines, will be available for visitors to bring along their own typewriters for some long-awaited TLC. Machines will also be available to buy and take away.
Entry is free to the final Totally Typewriters on Saturday 10 October 2026 between 10am–4pm.
