Adjudicator Carrie Ellis was given a warm welcome and treated to some first rate performances by eager young dancers.
Photographer Tony Hendron went along on the opening day to capture some of the atmosphere of the festival, which runs until Friday, May 5.
9. Portadown Dance Festival
Winner of the Novice Ballet Solo 9-10 Years competition Fianna Gordon. PT17-215. Photo: Tony Hendron
10. Portadown Dance Festival
Some of the young ballet dancers who were first to perform at the 2023 Portadown Dance Festival pictured on the opening morning with adults from left, Carrie Ellis, adjudicator; Mayor of ABC Council, Councillor Paul Greenfield; Kate Adams, Portadown Festival Association Chair, and Yvonne Turner, Dance Festival Secretary. PT17-200. Photo: Tony Hendron
11. Portadown Dance Festival
Penny Knipe performing her routine in the Ballet Solo 9-10 Years class at Portadown Dance Festival. PT17-201. Photo: Tony Hendron
12. Portadown Dance Festival
Ava Patton performs her dance at Portadown Dance Festival on Thursday morning. Ava was awarded third place in the competition. PT17-205. Photo: Tony Hendron