The venue was established by the local businessman and electrical engineer, Henley Howe Jenkins, (1905-1993) who also managed and performed in the traditional dance band, The Metronomes.
Mr. Jenkins is also credited with the formation of the Bridgend Silver Band and the Aberkenfig Silver band.
The original musical entertainment within 'the Palais' was provided by the residential dance band 'The Metronomes' which were originally founded by Mr Ken Simmons. The band was subsequently led by the owner of the Palais De Danse, Mr Henley Howe Jenkins.
A published tribute to Mr Jenkins - Glamorgan Gazette (1993)
Monday's would feature 'Old time' dances with Wednesday's and Saturday's being set aside for dance band nights. This timetable continued through into the mid 1960's until the first rock bands were booked to perform. The 'Bank Holiday' dances proved so popular that the 'Western Welsh' transport company would put on additional buses to cope with the mass of people visiting Bridgend to attend the Palais de Danse.
'The Metronomes' - Complimentary Calendar (1939)
'The Metronomes' - Christmas (1957)
'The Metronomes' prior to a performance on stage at the Palais de Danse Bridgend - (1963)
Mr Jenkins is seated third from the left in the front row.
A expansion of the previous image to include the MC's Danny Murphy (Far left) and Bill Edwards (Far Right)