Three people were arrested and remain in police custody for public order offences at a planned protest in Northampton town centre on Wednesday evening.
Northamptonshire Police said, around 150 people gathered peacefully at the junction of Kettering Road and Clare Street around 19:00BST.
Earlier in the day, some businesses closed early with some boarding their windows in anticipation of potential disorder.
The action comes following a wave of riots across different parts of the UK this week with police telling the BBC that forces had prepared for more than 100 possible events today.
Daniel Granger, owner of Daniel Granger Hairdressing on Abington Street, said he would “lose income” after cancelling all his appointments.
After boarding up his premises, he added: “I’ve never needed or felt the need [for security] before.”
Superintendent Steve Freeman, of Northamptonshire Police, said there are “extra patrols” in the town centre.
Around 21:00BST, Northamptonshire Police said, there had not been any other disorder and officers asked counter protestors to disperse peacefully.
Kettering Road remains partially closed.