Deputy Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage dropped in on the opening morning to wish the competitors and festival organisers well.
In the afternoon the audience were treated to a variety of speech and singing as the Musical Theatre Duologues took place, with a colourful range of costumes and famous songs from the musicals were on display.
The festival runs until Friday, February 28.
Photographer Tony Hendron caught some of the atmosphere of the first day.
5. Portadown Speech Festival
Zara Fairless and Abigail Slayford perform a scene from the musical, Mary Poppins. PT07-205. Photo: TONY HENDRON
6. Portadown Speech Festival
Anna Mitchell and Cara Gribben showing off their speech and drama skills. PT07-209. Photo: TONY HENDRON
7. Portadown Speech Festival
Zarah Mooe and Leah McLaughlin performing a scene from 'Oliver'. PT07-206. Photo: TONY HENDRON
8. Portadown Speech Festival
Ivy Irvine and Molly McCartney performing a scene from the musical, 'The Greatest Showman'. PT07-207. Photo: TONY HENDRON