BNP leader Nick Griffin failed to turn up for a demonstration outside a Subway sandwich shop in Sunderland to protest against the use of halal meat.
There was a strong police presence as British National Party supporters, including members of BNP Scotland, gathered on St Luke's Terrace in Pallion.
The demonstrators were outnumbered by a counter-protest made up of anti-fascist and community groups, including United Against Fascism.
Northumbria Police estimate that around 200 people attended and say that the event caused minimal disruption and there were no arrests.
Mr Griffin did not attend, despite a call to action on the BNP website stating that he would be there.
Party activists handed out leaflets on what they describe as a 'barbaric' practice.
It follows a similar demonstration at the Subway branch on Prince Edward Road, South Shields in June.
Tahir Khan, chairman of the multi-cultural organisation Unity, condemned the protest.
He said: "Picking on religious beliefs is evil-minded and morally wrong.
"I think the BNP is just wasting its time and resources."
Martin Vaughan, North East BNP representative, said: "My party has campaigned for many years about the barbaric slaughter of these poor animals.
"It has got nothing to do with religion."
According to Islamic law, halal meat must come from a healthy animal, the butcher must make a recitation dedicating it to God, and the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe must be cut before the blood is drained.
With non-halal meat, the animal is stunned before having its throat slit.
Mr Khan: "The killing of any animal can be seen as cruel but it does not give them the right to object or make an issue about someone's religion."
Chief Superintendent Kay Blyth said: “Northumbria Police recognises the right to peaceful protest and we worked with the organisers and local community to make sure the event passed smoothly.
“This effective partnership working saw the demonstration pass without any significant disruption to our communities with the majority of people taking part being good-natured and well-behaved. There were no arrests.
“We worked closely with local residents to ensure they felt reassured and any concerns they had were addressed and I would like to thank them for their cooperation.
“The policing operation went well and I would like to commend the actions and professionalism of staff involved.”
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