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.
9. Portadown Speech Festival
Evie Genoe and Katie Strain strutting their stuff in the Musical Theatre Duologues. PT07-212. Photo: TONY HENDRON
10. Portadown Speech Festival
Averie Alexander and Mya McFaul who came first in their Musical Theatre section with a scene from 'Cinderella The Musical'. PT07-210. Photo: TONY HENDRON
11. Portadown Speech Festival
Sophia McDonald and Phoebe Taylor enacting a scene from 'The Lion King'. PT07-213. Photo: TONY HENDRON
12. Portadown Speech Festival
Lottie Magill and Mollie Best with their scene from 'Matilda The Musical'. PT07-211. Photo: TONY HENDRON