Ruairi McDonnell performs 'Anything That We Wanted To Be' from Bugsy Malone.

placeholder image — Ruairi McDonnell performs 'Anything That We Wanted To Be' from Bugsy Malone.

22 talent-filled photos from young performers at Portadown Speech Festival 2026

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Feb 2026, 16:44 GMT

Updated 19th Feb 2026, 17:07 GMT

Talented young performers have been stepping into the spotlight at Portadown Speech Festival.

Audience members were treated to excerpts from famous productions during the Musical Theatre, individual, 8 years and under section, as the popular annual event opened on Wednesday (February 18).

Photographer Tony Hendron captured these wonderful images from Portadown Town Hall.

Erin O'Dowd performs a scene from The Little Mermaid.

21. Speech Festival

Erin O'Dowd performs a scene from The Little Mermaid. Photo: TONY HENDRON

Ruairi McDonnell performs 'Anything That We Wanted To Be' from Bugsy Malone.

22. Speech Festival

Ruairi McDonnell performs 'Anything That We Wanted To Be' from Bugsy Malone. Photo: TONY HENDRON