The 19-year-old will be the link between two important ceremonies marking 100 years since the beginning of World War I and almost 70 years since over 1000 Japanese prisoners attempted to escape from Cowra's prisoner of war camp.

Delegates and dignitaries, including renowned Australia author Tom Keneally and retired Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, will descend on the town for a 4pm ceremony at the Cowra peace bell - and Ms Banks will be the pillar bringing the two ceremonies together.

Cowra Breakout Association chairperson Lawrance Ryan said during the peace bell ceremony, representatives from different nations will come forward and ring the bell.

The Japanese ambassador will be the last person to ring the bell and will bring forward a special lantern, which he will then pass to Ms Banks.

Ms Banks will run the lantern up Scenic Drive to the Japanese Garden car park, where she'll meet up with locals before leading the way down Sakura Avenue to the POW camp where the 70th anniversary ceremony will commence.

"This will be the most significant breakout anniversary we'll ever have. Jess running will link the peace bell, a symbol of wonderful reconciliation, to the prisoner of war camp," Mr Ryan said.

"It'll show just how connected the events of World War I and the Cowra Breakout are and how far Australia and Japan have come as two nations," Ms Banks added.

Once they arrive at the camp, everyone will be asked to hang their lantern on a framework, which will form the backdrop for the evening's performances.

The Breakout Association will be selling lanterns down the main street on Saturday morning. Lanterns are also available from the Cowra Visitors Centre for $8 and come with a sheet on how to decorate them.