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.
13. Portadown Speech Festival
Senna Rae and Ellie Rose performing a scene from 'Wicked'. T07-214. Photo: TONY HENDRON
14. Portadown Speech Festival
Brooke Purdy and Ivy Smyth perform a scene from 'Calamity Jane'. PT07-217. Photo: TONY HENDRON
15. Portadown Speech Festival
Averie Alexander and Mya McFaul proudly showing off their first place medals for their performance as the 'Ugly Sisters' from the musical, 'Cinderella. PT07-216. Photo: TONY HENDRON
16. Portadown Speech Festival
Adjudicator, Katrina Mulvihill gives her verdict in the Musical Theatre Duologues 8 years and under section. PT0-215. Photo: TONY HENDRON