Locals carrying lanterns will light up the evening on Monday, August 4, as the town commemorates 70 years since the breakout of Japanese prisoners of war from Cowra's POW camp.

A ceremony at the Cowra Peace Bell at 4pm will mark 100 years since the beginning of World War I, before a lone runner, Jessica Banks, leads a procession up to the prisoner of war camp.

While running through the Japanese Garden car park via Scenic Drive, Ms Banks will link up with locals holding hand-decorated lanterns and lead them to the camp, finishing around 5.30pm.

Fourteen-year-old Xavier Lynch will be one of the breakout anniversary's youth ambassadors participating in the lantern walk.

He said the walk is significant in that it recognises what people went through at the time on both sides.

"It's a beacon of hope for everyone," Mr Lynch said.

You can purchase your lantern for$8 at the Cowra Visitors Centre, which includes batteries and a how-to sheet on decorating your lantern.

After the procession, Lions Club will be running a barbeque up at the POW Camp and local groups will perform from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

People are asked to dress warmly and are encouraged to bring torches.

There will be some seating available but locals are welcome to bring their own.

Former prisoner of war Terouo Murakami will also be up at the camp, in what may be his last visit to the site.