The 'Debate on Cultural Identity' is being held at Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford on Wednesday, 17 March.
It will be hosted by BBC Essex mid morning presenter Dave Monk.
The panel will include, writer Germaine Greer, the vice chancellor of Essex University, Colin Riordan, and broadcaster Sarfraz Manzoor.
The debate will raise questions such as 'Is there such a thing as cultural identity?', 'What is the Essex identity?' and 'How has migration, multiculturalism and heritage enriched culture in Essex and the UK?'
The event will also see the launch of 'exploreCulture: One World', a county-wide arts festival celebrating Essex's cultural diversity which will run until October.