The origins of the Palais De Danse

The Palais De Danse was built on the site formally occupied by WH John & Son Bakers and Confectioners (Riverside Bakery). 

                              Aerial View of Bridgend (1923) before the construction of the Palais de Danse

An extremely rare photograph of the bakery site before the construction of the Palais de Danse

The building was savaged by fire in 1947 and remained a burnt out shell before being liquidated and subsequently purchased by Mr Henley Howe Jenkins in 1954.

Entry from 'The London Gazette' (1st January 1954)

Commencing on 10th April 1954, the riverside location was rebuilt to form the new Palais De Danse. The opening night was held on 27th November 1954 with the first floor dance floor only being available for use at that time. The venue featured the towns first 'sprung' dance floor.

The upstairs dance floor showing the main stage (1960's)

A café and downstairs dancefloor opened in 1955. The café prepared food for the variety of dinner dances held at the Palais. The hall was also used for private parties, wedding receptions and formal functions. There was no alcohol served at the venue at this time.

The downstairs café, under preparation for a function (1960's)

The first rock band to perform in the Palais were 'The Rebels' in the early 1960's. The venue booked many welsh rock bands including Shakin' Stevens and the Sunsets,  Gerry Braden and the Bystanders (Owen Money). More renowned bands were to follow including Badfinger in 1969,  'White Planes' in 1970-71 and also the legendary British Soul Band 'Hot Chocolate'.  

Hot Chocolate - 1970

There were two stages upstairs to allow fluent transitions between the dance bands and the rock groups. A popular coin operated jukebox was installed in the ground floor dance floor during the 1960's and featured hit songs from the era.  The resident DJ, Les Savill played music from 7pm to Midnight.

Christmas Party for members and children of the former 'C' or Bridgend Division of the Glamorgan Constabulary. The function was held in the Palais de Danse in 1957.