THE Singapore River was awash in light on Friday, bringing to life the first of the Government's plans to transform the country's night-time look.

Pyrotechnics, music and a carnival accompanied the unveiling of hundreds of lights along the waterway's banks.

With the flick of a switch by Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang, Read and Cavenagh bridges came alive in a wash of colours.

A colony of 'jellyfish' popped up in front of the Asian Civilisation Museum, the underwater lights giving the river a subtle gleam. And the pedestrian underpasses linking Clarke Quay and Boat Quay started shimmering.

Friday's big light-up marked the end of the first phase of a Singapore River makeover announced in March.

The project, which the Singapore Tourism Board would only say cost less than Orchard Road's $40 million renovation, covered Empress Place, Clarke Quay and Boat Quay.

By March next year, the works will be extended to Robertson Quay and Kim Seng Bridge.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.